Your Custom Text Here
What happens in the Studio?
Here is a little peak into the Andi-Le Studio
til next time,
"Live Creatively"
XX
Andrea
HAND Crafted
We all look for the little extra that will make a difference in our lives. Join the celebration of the unique and the individual stories that are only found in the human touch.
Our world is filled with so much technology, that it is a comfort to live with something artisanal and handcrafted.
Technology can offer many benefits, but it can never offer us sensuality, intimacy and humanity.
Handcrafted objects have a spirit, a story, an inspiration
and of course pride.
Your home is an expression, the objects you choose, your color palette, the pictures you display.
Our homes tell a story of who we are and we tell that story through our things.
As a designer/maker, I love to be hands on. I have an artists heart and a passion for making things.
My inspiration is global, fusing cultural traditions in modern and contemporary designs is my aesthetic.
This week I want to inspire you to think about purposeful purchasing.
Make a difference in the quality of your life
and develop your relationship with art and design
by connecting with the makers and their stories.
Until next time,
"Live Creatively"
xx
Andrea
In The Studio, Precision, Fun and Dust.
Prototype Bar stool
Making sure those legs are level!
The Dust is flying in the studio. Textures are applied, legs are going on,
stainless is being inlayed, even a bit of welding.
I love spring!
I can open the big studio garage door and feel the rocky mountain air.
( and keep the dust outside )
Spring came early here in Aspen, and I have a few very happy horses! Just needed to share!
And then there is the 6 foot drawing table.
Materials, sketches, samples and ideas ready for production.
As a designer/maker, the ebb and flow of studio vs office is often unbalanced. So my blogging took a back seat.
I might be back on track.
In production, are new pillows for Pillow Bling and adding a small production of one-of-a-kind handbags.
I am working with a sewing co-operative that has been successful helping woman get off welfare by teaching them the sewing trade and run a business. More on this coming soon!
Millie enjoying the spring
Besides working on commissions and keeping up with the NOT SO Lazy Susans and trays,
Design Wright Studios in Denver, CO
will be hosting an Andi-Le trunk show May 6.
I am looking forward to showing off new products and meeting new designers.
It is truly a Happy Spring!
til next time,
"Live creatively"
xx
Andrea
How to: Host a Dinner Party with Andi-Le NOT SO Lazy Susans
The Art of Entertaining
includes delicious food, a beautiful table, music, drinks, great conversation and friends,
while making it look seamless and stress-free!
The Menu Challenge:
Dinner parties (especially with allergies and vegans) have become a bit more challenging.
I started preparing very simple entrees, steak, chicken, and fish, even tofu.
Then I create toppings, condiments, and sauces as compliments, most of which can be made in advance.
Guests can make their dish as spicy or saucy as they like, Onions? No Onions! Everyone is happy!
The Beautiful Table Challenge:
The small dishes of condiments were scattered and messy.
Where’s the spicy mustard? Who has the caramelized onions?
And that’s where the Lazy Susan came back into play.
After searching for Lazy Susans that didn’t look like my mother’s
or one that wasn’t brown.
I headed into the studio.
And Voila!
The Answer:
The Andi-Le NOT SO Lazy Susans, with exceptional design and style,
makes serving and menu ideas simple and authentic.
Everyone has fun creating their meal to their preference.
Tasting new flavors and combinations of sauces and condiments
leads to great conversations and fun for all.
Just add friends, drinks and music.
And
“Live Creativley”
Til next time
xx
Andrea
3 steps Custom-Made Furniture
Does Custom furniture sound scary?
Do you think it is something just for an elite clientele?
Are you settling for something that is just OK because it is there?
Here are 3 steps to having exactly what you want.
Once the ice is broken you will never go back.
Does it sound scary?
Do you think it is something just for an elite clientele?
Are you settling for something that is just OK because it is there?
Here are 3 steps to having exactly what you want.
Once the ice is broken you will never go back.
Step 1
Get ready.
Know where and how the pieces will fit into your décor,. Having an oddly proportioned space is a great opportunity to go custom. Exact specifications are exactly what custom means.
Be prepared to speak to an artisan.
Look through magazines, books, or online sites like houzz, to show the artist what you like, what draws your eye.
Step 2
Take your time.
To me the most important component is finding an artist or craftsman that resonates with you, (obviously an artist who’s work you love.) All artists and designers have a signature look and use of materials.
Look at the span of work, the edges, finishes and quality.
Can the artisan talk your talk? Do you feel comfortable? Are suggestions welcome?
The conversation should make you excited for the possibilities and also for the process.
Step 3
The Process
I will speak from my own experience, there are many ways other artists work.
A. As a custom designer and builder, I start with a few conceptual sketches to make sure everyone is on the same page. I realize that clients don’t always know exactly what they want, but the DO know what they don’t.
I like to see what else is in the room in order to create a piece that blends but at the same time can stand alone as art.
It helps to “feel” the space when possible, and to get to know the clients. Often it will be under construction; in that case I use fabric swatches, and images of other pieces and finishes, along with measurements. To me this process is very personal. And I realize it is also a leap of trust given to me as an artist.
Side bar…. Having an interior design mother, and building and designing many homes adds to my ability to create site–specific pieces that work within the décor.
B. As we settle in on a direction, the loose sketches turn in to working drawings to scale.
Because surface design and texture is a signature component to my aesthetic, I provide samples and along with colors for approval. And at the end, this piece will reflect the essence of who you are and will be fused with meaning , soul and a story.
Get creative and have fun with the possibilities
while collaborating with an artist, whose aesthetic matches your own.
Become a custom junkie, don’t settle for “off the floor”.
And LIVE CREATIVELY
Til next time,
xx
Andrea