Liston Studios LLC

Read Nancy Liston's post today "It's Snowing in Sun Valley" on her blog http://listonstudios.blogspot.com/ or visit Nancy's website at http://www.listonstudios.com/ to order some of her hand painted dinnerware.

Nancy and I both started our companies in 2001 and have been comparing notes on the best way to run a business since then.

Nancy spends her days painting pottery and taking ski breaks. It's easy to see the joy of the freedom in her work. Nancy has workshop travel package information on her website.

The plate design above is called Ski Time @ Jackson Hole.

All designs copyright Liston Studios LLC

Stylish Collars for Large Dogs

As I mentioned in an earlier post I own a labradoodle dog. It's difficult to find good collars for large dogs until recently. I found two companies that I love. FLUX and Ella Dish. FLUX collars are made of brightly colored ultra-suede, the exact same fabric developed for Halston. The collars are larger in proportion and scale than the ones found in the mass market and the soft ultra suede fabric is like butter! Matching leashes are available. FLUX does not have a website, but you should be able to google them to find out where to buy them.

I also love Ella Dish. Their collars are for the person who wants patterned collars and leashes for their dog. They have many modern designs and themes to choose from. Their website is http://www.elladish.com/

Stars to the Rescue

Tony La Russa's Stars to the Rescue Gala will be at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri on Sunday January 20th, 2008. We are so thrilled to be invited to be a part of the event this year by gifting our Paper Petals stationery to the celebrities and St. Louis Cardinals Team in attendance.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to ARF Animal Rescue Foundation, and the Pujols Family Foundation. For more information about the event visit the ARF website at http://www.arf.net/

The Paper Petals Studio believes in pet adoption, we are second owners of our beautiful Labradoodle "Nala" and "Tabby" (who was renamed "Kitty" by my son) my son's cat was rescued.

ECOBAGS

Ecobags are the original reusable shopping bag resource. I've seen other reusable shopping bags that are just plain ugly, even homemade ones, none this stylish. The variety is endless. Carry these bags and be free of more embarrassing versions.

Their website is http://www.ecobags.com/

Winter Wondering

E J Thias Winter Scenes

Top Scene

Foxy Woods

Bottom Scene

Owl on Shaggy Bark Hickory

Holiday Wrapping

Paper Petals TM wraps make the perfect holiday packages. The paper is premium acid free recycled wind power milled paper. This pattern may be purchased at Bowood Farms. The paper may be reused to wrap smaller gifts, books or decorate. Grandma was right, don't throw away good wrapping paper, except this isn't your grandmothers wrapping paper!

Hand Outs

Having an art and design professor for a father, I have received pieces of paper containing valuable information from him my entire life. In the mail, at his events, when I visit his home and studio. I have boxes of handouts. At the end of every year I organize the handouts.

My father a mid-century architect and designer is an expert in modern design history, materials and quality. While most children took trips to Disney, I went on tours of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and other modern architects homes as a young child. It was amazing.

I finally made it to Disney in Florida for my stepdaughters wedding. My son in Law, a KU graduate has family in Florida -- Perfect! When I finally arrived the first thing that came out of my mouth was - IT'S PLASTIC! (meaning the castle).

One of my favorite quotes from my favorite handout that I keep in my studio is a quote from John Ruskin

"There is hardly anything in the world that man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are man's lawful prey." John Ruskin

Find more John Ruskin quotes on http://www.quotationspage.com/