My Mom's Interior Design

Children's Sculptures, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

These sweet little clay projects are on display in a special nook in a space designed by my mom for a client. The child who made the sculptures is all grown up, but the whimsical pieces will always remain young.

Greek Revival Nook, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Earlier this summer I visited my mom in Rochester, NY. We dropped by several of her interior design clients' homes so that I could take pictures of the spaces she's designed. I've never taken shots like these, so this project was a learning experience.

Vintage Mirror, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Some of my favorite images are shots like this picture of a mirror. I like small detail photos that show the colors and style of the room, but are also quietly mysterious.

Handmade Rug, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

My mom works with several craftspeople who have old world specialties. One of these vendors hand wove this custom rug for a Greek Revival house.

White Curtain, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Since I took all of the pictures using natural light, metering correctly was a real challenge for a novice like me. If I had the correct exposure for the windows, then everything else became dark. So for most of the pictures I overexposed the windows to get detail in the room.

This picture is one exception. I wanted to capture the creamy shadows of this curtain so I let the hallway fade to near black.

Button Thursday: Modern Metal

Modern Metal Button with Rhinestone, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

This is the most unusual rhinestone button I have ever seen. I think it may have been handmade by a metalsmith during the 1960s or 1970s.

A Ballard Adventure

Intrepid photographer Sandi Heinrich just posted a great piece about our photography adventure through Ballard, USA. One of my favorite locations was Bop Street Records, site of the shot above.

I urge you to visit her site to read her witty narration and to view lots of the great pictures she took of Susannah, Laura Bee Bags, and even a few shots of me.

Website Refresher

We have a new slide show on the front page of our website. The fresh images, like the picture above, are the results of the August collaboration between my sister (model), Sandi Heinrich (photographer), and me (stylist, location scout).

An Open Letter

Dear Sock Monkey,

Whenever I look at you, I know that you are my friend. It makes me so happy when you smile at me from your brightly colored home on my wallet.

I'm not the only one who loves you dear Monkey. Our customers can't get enough of you. They call, email, and visit us to make new monkey friends.

Why, just the other day, a Seattle woman came in to whisk some of your Monkey pals away to two girls in Serbia.

You are an international sensation Sock Monkey. I'm so glad you are my friend, right there in my purse, waiting to say 'Hello,' when I need a little cheer.

xoxoxo,
Laura Bee

Photos by Sandi Heinrich.

Project Runway 5 Blayne Audition Video

He used to be a barista at a coffee stand near the LBD shop. Ashley and I both remember his crazy outfits and delicious espresso drinks.

Button Thursday: Blue Plastic with Glitter

Sculpted Blue Plastic Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Las Vegas Wedding: Olive Green Accents

Our Seattle bride is off to Las Vegas for a sophisticated destination wedding next week.


She'll wear an ivory dress with an olive green sash. Her fiance will wear a traditional kilt.

Her lucky bridesmaids will get their own custom Luxe Clutches, and a special guest will receive a shoulder bag, shown here, called Eleanor.

Now That's a Happy Dog

Proud Pug, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

We're still catching up from taking an extra day off this weekend. Here's a picture of Otis on Richmond Beach. He actually went right into this pose on his own without any coaxing. I think he wanted to show off his buff pecs.

Internet Adventure Goes to the Dogs

Photo by David Houge.

This Labor Day weekend, I thought you might enjoy visiting one of my favorite blogs, Tour De Dog. Seattle resident David Sylvester and his rescue dog Chiva are touring the country via bike.

Together they're visiting animal shelters, climbing mountains, and making new friends in the lower 48 states. David is giving money donated to his cause via Paypal to the shelters he visits.

His blog, Tour De Dog, is inspiring, fun, and fascinating to read regularly. It's a terrific example of the beauty of the internet, where one man's adventure can be shared by many, and one dog's cause can be supported by strangers.

Button Thursday: Nautical Brass

Brass Anchor Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

We're in the Book

Last night I went to a party to celebrate the launch of the new Crave guide to Seattle.

I'm proud to say that Laura Bee Designs is one of the 100 women-owned businesses profiled in the book. At the party we ate Fran's Chocolates, sipped on Dry Soda, and talked shop.

I left with a couple of boxes of the Crave guide to sell here at the shop. The guide came out beautifully with lots of pictures and really interesting tidbits about local entrepreneurs.

Last night was also a special night because I met the graphic designer who did much of the layout on the book. Her name - Amanda Buzard - is amazing because it's quite rare.

In fact, Buzard my last name too but I've never met another woman with my name who is not a relative. Amanda and I bonded over childhood teasing, correct pronunciation, and pride in being different.

Kimonos Transformed

Handmade in Japan, this new jewelry line features real bits of vintage kimonos embedded in resin.

Each piece is unique because each portion of the print is cropped differently. This necklace can be worn sparkle side up, as shown here, or matte side up for a more subtle look.

I've been wearing one of these barrettes in my hair for the last few days and it is both fun and secure in my fine hair.

(Top to bottom: Ring $16, Necklace $16, Barrette $10. All available in our brick and mortar store. Necklaces available on our website here.)

Happy Friday

Photo by Sandi Heinrich.

Button Thursday: Clear Plastic on Blue

Clear Plastic Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Otis Has Muffin Top

Excellent Pug Jowels, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Now a certified adult pug, Otis' jowels are fully formed. Sometimes when he hasn't looked in the mirror in a while, he accidentally lets his collar go a little too low-rise and a muffin top forms at his neckline.

Here he is sunbathing in the store. Notice that his head is lifted as though he's alert when he's actually one nod away from full sleepitude.

Crafty Kids

Photos by Beth Russo

When I was a little kid I was truly lucky to have several wonderful crafters in my life who taught me the joy of making things by hand. From creative babysitters (thanks Heidi!), to weaving teachers at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY I was taught by some wonderful people.

My grandmother and family friend Christine first sat me down in front of a sewing machine, and for that gift I am eternally grateful. I don't know who I'd be today without these formative experience in crafts.

My mother is a fine artist and I'm certain that she emphasized the creative arts in my life because she always found satisfaction and peace when holding a paint brush. Because of these influences, I'm always happy to see others teaching kids to explore making things.

Photos by Beth Russo

A couple of weeks ago Sarah Damianick (above in purple) emailed information about a free beading workshop she led in Ballard on August 9th. The picture above is from the event and I swear, you can see the excitement on those kids faces. The children were from First Place School, and Space to Create donated their studio for the class.

Thanks Sarah for giving these kids the chance to make something beautiful from scratch! Who knows where this experience will take them.

Wristlets are Perfect for Dancing

I took this picture of Ashley a while back and, to me, it looks like she's dancing in the shot. The cotton print on the wristlet is a vintage cloth with many shades of blue with olive green accents. We've been making wristlets for over three years now and they continue to be a popular, practical item.

Many people travel to fascinating places carrying their wristlets. In fact, yesterday someone told me that a friend had taken her wristlet and mini wallet set all of the way to Israel on vacation. Hearing stories like this one really make my day.

Recognize this Skirt?

I forgot to mention the source of the blue floral print that I used on these clutches. I found this wild skirt when thrift shopping a little while back. It was in great condition, almost like it hadn't been used.

As I mentioned before, the blue in the skirt was a perfect match for to the bridesmaid dress swatch the Wisconsin bride sent my way.

Blue Wedding in Wisconsin

These aqua blue-themed clutches went out to Wisconsin last week. They'll make their debut at an outdoor August wedding there.

The bride learned about us through her sister who lives here in Seattle and shops regularly at our store.

She commissioned five coordinated yet one-of-a-kind bags for her bridesmaids. I based the designs on short descriptions of each woman's style that she sent my way. I emphasized the lime green that will repeat in the flowers.

I had the floral fabric in my stash and the color miraculously matched the dress swatch the bride sent me. There are infinite shades of blue, so finding a perfect textile match can be quite tricky.

Lime for All Seasons

Even though we put up our green-themed fall transition window display today, we aren't ready for autumn. In fact, it's extra hot in Seattle right now.

Ashley, Kim, and I took a quick break from production to enjoy these yummy lime creamsicles.

Button Thursday: Crystal and Faux Pearl

Vintage Crystal Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

I stitched this button to a sage green Ruched Clutch. A Portland bride will carry this purse on her wedding day this weekend. Her gown is ivory with a sage sash.

And She's Off

Otis is in love with his Auntie Susannah, my sister. Each morning she stayed with us he'd sniff outside her door until she came out to play with him.

While she was in town, Susannah modeled some bags for our first professional fashion shoot. That's Sandi Heinrich on the right taking pictures at all of the Ballard hot spots. We had quite an adventure faking autumn on a hot August day.

Sandi sent me a quick peek at several of the shots from the photo session. Check out how great this looks! Susannah brought the yellow jacket with her from Boston. Both my sister and the coat are quite photogenic.

Here's another fun image taken by Sandi. Good-bye Susannah. Thanks for visiting!

Planning Ahead

Since August is upon us, it's time to plan for fall. We're working hard on some new designs and adding some cozy fabrics to our collection. Our lead time is 3-4 weeks right now, so bags ordered now will be ready just in time for September temperature changes.

Since autumn is my favorite season, I enjoy fantasizing about comfy scarves, soft sweaters and cups of hot chocolate enjoyed on lazy afternoons.

The bag shown is a Harriet in glossy espresso with a rust flap and green multi ribbon embellishment. It's perfect for toting around a great read plus the essentials.

Button Thursday: Deep Red with Cutout

Red Button with Cutout, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

SuzyBuzz is in the House

My sister is in town from Boston and we're having fun taking pictures and playing with Photoshop.

Odysseus Returns Home

Yesterday I told you about finding this little turtle and taking him to P.A.W.S. The naturalist told us he was a healthy turtle, and asked us if we would be willing to set him free in a small lake a couple of miles from where I found him.

Jeff, Otis, Odysseus and I hiked into a beautiful woodland park, headed downhill, and found this peaceful lake. I didn't bring my still camera, but I did have my Flip in my bag so I made this short video of setting him free.

There were a few young kids playing on the beach so we showed them the turtle and told them his story. (The heavy breathing you may hear is Otis' panting from the hike.)

The music is from Aimee Mann's most recent album, which is lovely.

Meet Odysseus

Painted Turtle, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

I spotted him last night in the middle of a very busy road on my drive home from work. He resembled an oval lump and wasn't moving. Still, something told me the lump wasn't a rock, shoe, or toy. Otis looked at me strangely as I screeched to a halt and turned my car around to take a closer look. Could that really be a turtle in the road?

Painted Turtle Belly, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

I must have been quite a spectacle as I, wearing a black skirt and red wedge sandals, stopped traffic to chase at turtle out of the street. Since there aren't any bodies of water nearby, I couldn't just put him back in his natural habitat. I emptied a plastic bin I had in my trunk, and put little Odysseus inside and brought him to our house nearby.

Painted Turtle Head Markings, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Jeff grew up in Florida, where reptiles like turtles aren't exotic as they are here in the Northwest. At ease with the wild critters, my husband set up the little guy with a shallow dish of water and a dry towel to keep him comfortable.

Then we called P.A.W.S. A wonderful woman there talked us through identifying the turtle as a Western Painted Turtle, which is a Washington native. She told us to bring him up for the staff naturalist to examine in the morning.

Tomorrow: Little Odysseus Goes Home

Button Thursday: Filigree with Orange Fabric

Pewter Filigree Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.