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