Burlap and Bees, Rustic Cottage Chic with a French Flair: December 2011

12.30.2011

What's In A Name? Burlap and Bees

"Jump, Jump off this train you have been riding...jump and trust that you have had creativity flowing through your veins since you were born for a reason! Trust, then jump...

I was trusting the creativity I felt. I was trusting the direction I was feeling compelled to go in and I was trusting that no matter what, there was no back-up plan.

Forward was the only option....."
- Drew Emborsky, the Crochet Dude! Where Women Create

I just read that in the latest Where Women Create. Isn't that a great quote. I thought it was timely as the year ends and a new one begins. In 2012, I am heading back to Melange with many new experiences and inspirations under my belt and a new business name that represents my creative line of work.

Treasure Broker (my blog) represents who I am and is a description of the work I do (ie. the broker between buying and selling treasures), however, naming my business that would be the same as the President of a company naming his business, "President". It's a title, not a business or line of merchandise. I had to think of something fun that represented me and my creations.

Burlap and Bees came up and it stuck. It really makes sense for me. Burlap represents the style I work with; shabby-chic but more along the lines of salvaged, primitives, or industrial chic rather than the flowery or feminine shabby-chic and bees talked to many different things for me.

Made by Susan from Melange

I love the french bee and am drawn to items with that image. I have many pictures of the french bee taken in various places in Paris, where it is a strong, regal symbol of royalty there.

Most of all, I liked that it not only worked into the description of the work I do, but, is also personal to me. My mother's name is Bea.

Chalk Drawing of my Mom in San Francisco 1979

Growing up in San Francisco, my mom used to drag me around to street shows and weekend flea markets. Her studio apartment was (is) wall-to-wall treasures from her various finds. She and my sister have always been collectors. Roseville, Hull, 1930s silhouettes, 1940s heads, celluloid jewels, and more. Only in the past few years have I started to "get it" and joined them in this world of vast and vintage treasures. It seems only appropriate that my work be associated with my muse, my mother, Bea.

On my website, you will see things signed, Bee. That is a fictitious representation of the company, of me, of my mom, of my friends. "Bee" is the Ronald McDonald of Burlap and Bees.

Linen seat cover that I stenciled the B&B image on.
I love how it turned out.

In 2012, you will find Bee buzzing around with Burlap and Bees at Melange, online and at some of the great vintage shows like Mes Amis and The Flea Affaire.

Happiness, Health, and Success to all in 2012!

-Bee

12.28.2011

Alternative Therapies For Transitioning From One Year to the Next

1. Make Time to be with Friends

2. Stack Rocks

A ritual of Native American tribes as a symbol of protection, I find it fascinating to come across groups of stacked rocks wherever we go. It's comforting to know that other's have been there, that there is a common, shared ritual, and it's peaceful and spiritual in it's simplicity.

Current meanings of stacked rocks also symbolize balance and trust.

3. Go Sea Shelling

Early morning is the best time for this therapy (low tide and you have to get there before the good ones are all gone). Even if you don't keep the shells or have a use for them, the act of strolling on the beach, listening to the ocean, and focusing on this simple task, is very meditative. And, when you find the perfect shell, full oyster, or best of all, a perfect sand dollar, The reward is great.

Pix From Melange in Folsom

4. Grab A Mag

My favorites are People (turn it all off and slip in to their world for a bit) and Stampington Magazines like, "Where Women Create", "Artful Blogging", and their newest one, "Mingle". Full of inspiration to get your creative juices flowing.

5. Get A Nice Journal and Write Your Resolutions and Plans for The New Year

Or do an art journal or story board. Use any notebook and cover the front cover with an inspiring picture and fill the pages throughout the year with pictures, words, and photos that inspire you, things you want to do, projects you want to complete, friends you want to see, and places you want to go. Review your journal the next year to see if your visualizations became realization.

6. Choose A Charity

www.relayforlife.org

There are many different demands for your time and money. Instead of feeling tapped out by giving change here and sending a few bucks there or placing something in every hand that is out, set your boundaries and select a favorite charity to really focus your time and energy on in anyway that you can. What is important to you? Children's Needs, Animal Needs, Women's Needs, Cancer, Alzheimer's, etc. Set a plan to give this year. The rewards are great.

7. Do What You Love