Two Minutes of Creativity - Rose Petal Heart

It's easy to forget to be creative for no reason when you're trying to get a entire product line -- like my whiteboards -- on the market. But, inspiration struck when I couldn't stand to toss out the petals of a bouquet of roses I'd been given. I stole this idea from a coffee shop where they set out beans for the waiting customers to form into impromptu sculptures. My rose petal sculpture stayed on the counter for a couple of days, changing in density and tone as the petals dried. It delighted me so much that I'm sharing it in the hope that you'll be moved to join in and enjoy your own 2 minutes of creativity.

If my daughter only had 3 white dresses, I wouldn't need a custom closet!

People often ask what inspired me to design organizational products...if they are close friends they might be politely refraining from mentioning that I'm not the most organized person. It's true. The elementary school secretary had us on speed dial for late permission slips. But one day when I was drolling over a custom closet ad, I realized "If my daughter only wore 3 identical white dresses, I wouldn't need that beautiful closet." Whose child does? And would I want that?

I get positively misty-eyed when I picture all of you out there with your wonderfully messy lives -- mud-caked shoes, piano music, ticket stubs, stray socks, knitting needles, sketchbooks, snow boards, crossword puzzles -- all of these objects that hint at the inner world of your interests and passions. If my products -- whiteboards or future offerings -- help you spend a little more time on those favorite activities, I'd feel very satisfied indeed.

p.s. I still want that custom closet.

New Year, new blog, new focus

I'm starting 2011 by stepping over the threshold from designing to selling my redesign of the common whiteboard. (Works like a whiteboard. Looks like art!) It has been more than 4 years since I made the first prototype of an acrylic whiteboard and as of Jan 1, 2011 I have over 17,000 units sitting in a warehouse, ready to be sold. So the new year brings a whole new set of skills, which I, um, don't have! So this blog, in addition to random quirky insights, aspires to share that journey. Selling my creations is a great chance for personal growth, so I think on my good days. On a bad day, I feel like that bumper sticker "Oh no, not another learning experience!" So I hope you'll laugh (and cry) along with me and, for those of you doing the same, let's keep each other company on this path.