My Time at Norwalk Furniture

Well, I can't believe it was two weeks ago exactly I was touring the Norwalk Furniture factory.  We were five finalists and their guests, I brought Tom, Alex brought his mom and the other three, Laura, Troy and Kate came solo.  After a lovely (and long) day, (of anticipating) Candice Olson announced the winner, Kate Keough of Burlington Vermont.  We other four are runners up.  WHAT A GREAT ADVENTURE!  Each of our sofa design entries were on display for all to see at the Norwalk Pre-Market.  Their Pre-market is when they invite all their dealers to come to the factory to see the line before the High Point Markets, They also present a trend forecast which explains the whys and method of selection dozens of new fabrics each season.  The fabulous marketing and merchandising team of HB2 made a presentation of the likes I did when I was in textiles in NYC.  It was like a peek at my past (except they went to many more countries than ever I had!)

We arrived at Norwalk on Wed, late afternoon, in time for a dinner buffet and the opportunity to meet the great folks there, our competitors, see all the entries and also peruse the open floor of this season's newest furniture styles and fabrics and colors. 

Runner up Alex (rt) with his mom, enjoying the day's events

Thursday AM began at 9:00 we were promptly ushered to a full factory tour, and I stepped away with even more happy feelings of a company I really admire.  Lunch, and then a trend presentation by HB2, followed by a great presentation by Candice Olson on how she works with clients and an hour and half of seeing so many of her before and after projects.  I would love for Candice to do my bedroom! (OK Living room, kitchen and bathrooms!  I wonder what she can do in an 1830 cape?)

The announcement was made after all five of us were introduced and while I was not the winner I was so glad to be part of the whole experience.  I wonder what will come of my design anyway?

my badge

sitting in the circle of leather chairs so my colors!



all five of us await the WORD! (Kate at the far right is the winner)

awaiting the announcement, Alex, another runner up, is to my left

l-r me, Candice Olson and Tom

me and my board

one of the new Norwalk design for October Market - wow!

Troy - one of the runners up, like Candice too!



Candice Olson gave a lush presentation - we were right there!

Norwalk Sofa Contest: My Entry

Some of you may know, but for those who don't, I also work at a furniture store in Keene, NH called Syd's Carpet and Snooze Room a few days a week.  I have been designing rooms, selling furniture, flooring and bedding there for 4 years!  One of my favorite furniture lines we sell there is Norwalk Furniture.  I love this line, the company, and the recent influx of the coolest printed fabrics in the world!  As a textile designer I have pattern envy!

Norwalk is running a very interesting contest open to all sales/designers who sell their furniture in all the Norwalk Galleries across the country.  There are many national stores and galleries like the one at our store in Keene.  I thought it sounded fun and right up my alley as a designer, SO I ENTERED!!  If you were chosen as a finalist you go to Norwalk, Ohio to attend their pre-market showing for their reps and dealers letting folks know what will be presented at the upcoming furniture market in High Point.  The five finalists attend this October's pre-market, October 6th, and enjoy a full day of events which include a tour of the factory the Parade of Chairs, and where our sofa style Inspiration Boards will be on display for all in attendance to look at, including Candice Olson.  Candice - also of HGTV's Devine Design (one of my favorite design shows) - also designs a line of furniture for Norwalk, will be be presenting the winner! 

OK how much cooler can this contest get?  WAY!  So the prize?  The winner has their entry in the running line of styles for the next year, and over the next 5 months or so, work hand-in-hand with Norwalk's product development and marketing teams to bring the new style to April 2012's market.  The winner goes to HighPoint 2012 to present their style.

Can this get more exciting? YES! I AM ONE OF THE FIVE FINALISTS!!! 

Wish me luck! - Nicole

500 Felt Objects

I have been waiting excitedly for my copy of the latest anthology book on contemporary felt work, newly published by Lark Crafts (A Sterling Publication) and juried by Susan Brown.  By simply, slowly, leafing through this book, it is so apparent to me, how felt work can indeed be considered art, and felt, the artist's medium for that expression.

I love it and an honored to be included in this book.  My two pieces can be seen on pages 356 and 389

 

Somerset Home Magazine

I am excited to announce that I am featured in the current issue (vol 6) of Stampington's shelter/style magazine called Somerset Home.  Pick up your copy and begin reading at 100.  My article is about felt rugs!  It is styled beautifully.



The Yellow Challenge took a Turquoise Detour

Well the past two weeks my yellow challenge was side railed by Turquoise and Red, specifically.  I finished a runner for a client and I am happy to say it turned out beautiful and I am now baack on to my YELLOW challenge!  Check out the Turquoise and Red Rug...

YELLOW HERE I COME!!!!

Don't forget, the challenge is for everyone welcome to participate, it could be something you decorated in your home, something you felted, something you made like baked, something you found at a flea market, yellow is the key, just upload it to my Festive Fibers Fan Page on Facebook! 

YELLOW

This time of year in my yard always makes me love the color yellow.  The forsythia are in full bloom, albeit this year their blooms look more like they are wearing skirts with all the flowers open at the bottom and not much up top.  What's with that?   And I just came in from plucking dandelions out of the grass.  A couple of weeks ago I made a color combination challenge, posted a photo and asked people to send in their color combination they made from the inspiration.  No one played with me!   This week I am going to challenge you and me in another way by using the color YELLOW in a challenge of ANY sort of creation.  I am painting, and felting, cooking and decorating.  I wonder what I will come up with?  And I wonder who will play with me this week?  When you have finished your YELLOW creations upload them onto my facebook fan page...can't wait.  Hmm I am also cleaning around the house and am about to hang my yellow sheets on the line to dry