Giveaway Winner!

We have a winner!

Congratulations Nancy Rosback!  

Deborah Beau recently hosted a hutch studio giveaway on her fantastic blog Kickcan & Conkers.  It was a first for hutch studio and I was blown away by the interest, enthusiasm, and wonderful comments that were focused on our creative efforts.  We appreciate it all greatly and will continue to do our best at making clever and fun ideas for everyone to enjoy.  Enjoy your new paper house garland Nancy.

The Latest Spin

~ The Latest Spin ~

For those of you that haven't visited hutch studio for the past few months I wanted to show you the new whirligigs that are spinning outside on the fence and inside as well.  The first is titled "Cookin With Steam" and it's a (double spinner), meaning it has two levels of wind catchers that rotate in opposite directions simultaneously. Oh it's as cool as it sounds.  It's also made from a vintage toy washing machine and is topped with an antique steam iron. $325. In store pick up only.

"Sail Star" isn't super new but it has been recently refurbished.  Paint was applied to the jumping fish molds and the boat masts were reinforced.  This one FLYS when the wind is blowing. $250. In store pick up only.

This one is the most recent gig.  "Starbird" is her name and she is a double spinner topped by a super cool aluminum deco styled tea kettle (with a bluebird spout).  I've been waiting to use this pot for a while.  I just put this one out on the fence last week and it quickly became the best mover to date.  $200. In store pick up only. I hope that these fun wind spinners get you to plan a little trip out to La Conner soon for a studio visit.  I also offer whirligig workshops that are one day creative blasts.  Click on the "Workshop" underneath the blog header for more info.  You to could have a whirligig spinning on your fence this season. call 360-466-2303

Color Inspiration

~ Color ~

I've never considered myself to be particularly good when it comes to using color.  I've painted the walls in my own house numerous times because my opinion on the colors always seem to change.  My wife and I recently bought a new orange sofa to replace a bright blue one that we've lived with for ten years by covering it up with a neutral slip cover.  The colors of hutch studio seem to be the one's that I'm drawn to over and over again.  They seem to transport my mind back in time and take me away to a space of memories.  A calm feeling in contrast to the bustle of the outside world.  My focus in this post is going to be (tan/yellow/gold), red, and black.  This color combination when applied to objects of age seems to always appeal to me.  The red and golden hues are very warm and the black gives it that graphic "coolness".

I just looked around the studio for things that had these common factors.  Some are objects that inspire me, some are props, and some are tools.  You can discover all of the following items here and there at the studio if you look hard enough.

Isn't this Buster Brown shoe box lid great? In this instance the darker red provides the contrast in the graphics. I love the simple line drawings of the children playing.  And yes the original shoes are still within.  

There something about old rulers and hand tools.  The wood is warmer because it has been well used and touched.  Add the old worn paint and it's a winning combo in my color book.  What color combinations get you excited?

Illustrated Drum Shades

~ Illustrated Light Shades ~

One day I was organizing one of the rooms at the studio used to store just about everything and sitting on top of a precarious pile of old lamps were a few newer looking drum shades.  I'm assuming someone had bought them with a plan, but had abandoned the project.  Inspired by a children's book that my wife and son had recently given to me as a gift I decided to use the simple white surface of the shade as if it were a wrapped piece of paper to draw on. I first did a very light pencil sketch followed by line drawing with a fine point black sharpie marker.  Subtle color was added with watercolors.

Because some of the themes at the studio incorporate children, nature, and animals, that's what I used as subject matter.  The first lampshade pictured a little boy and a bird, a little girl and a squirrel, and trees with an acorn.

It really made a sweet light for a nursery or small child's room.

Well, someone else thought the same thing and bought it.  The room got dark after that so I had to come up with another one quick.  It was early spring and the mole hills were treacherous in the back yard so I thought Moles and Daffodils would be a great combo. Oh yeah, and a little girl and boy too.

I love a challenge, and to make a mole cute is exactly that.  Can you picture this little dude doing a little "Caddyshack" dance?  This lamp is still the center piece in our "sweet room" at the studio.  It retails for $150. call 360-466-2303 or stop into the studio to see it in person.

I'm thinking the next one is going to have "pink tulips", bunnies, a little girl, and a little boy.  What do you think? Should the little girl have curly red hair?

I also want to share a secret with you.  The magical ingredient that I add to so many things that I make in the studio is............

COFFEE!!!

I put it in myself as well.

It adds the right warmth to white and tones down colors that are a little too bright.  Give it a swirl!  No cream or sugar.

A fun little idea.

~Paper Lantern House~

Here's a fun and really simple idea.  Take a photograph of your house and print it horizontally on a standard 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of 20# weight paper.  Cut a straight edge along the bottom of the image and at the top cut along the house's roof line.  loosely wrap the house around a soup can slightly overlapping at the back.  Using a couple of pieces of satin transparent tape secure.  Now in order to make this a safe lantern you need to use a battery operated tea light.  You can find these little 1 1/2" lights pretty easily in craft stores (especially around the holidays).  NEVER USE A CANDLE!  Paper + flame = fire.  Simply place the paper house cylinder over the tea light and your house is glowing with warmth.

This picture was taken in the dark, but in a dimly lit space with a fresh battery in the light the house gives of a nice soft glow.  I sell these "hutch studio" lights at the shop but it's just one of those free ideas that people leave the studio with.  To make a "move" easier on a child a warm light of the house that they grew up in could be a great comfort.  If you use this idea in some way I would love to hear about it and post a picture if possible.  Send photos and messages to me at the studio -chrisptheiss@gmail.com

Have fun with the idea!

hutch studio Giveaway with Kickcan & Conkers!

"Vintage Book House Garland Giveaway"

Deborah at "Kickcan & Conkers" has been so nice and gracious in putting together a hutch studio giveaway.I wanted the giveaway item to be very special so I put together a garland of the only remaining paper houses that I have made from repurposed 1942 Peter Rabbit and Mother Goose books. So far the response has been amazing and the comments are flowing.  You have until this Sunday to enter, so you still have a chance to win. Hop on over to Kickcan & Conkers now! These houses could be hanging at your house.

More "Softer" Birds

~Cheep! Cheep! Cheep!~

These little plush birds are new design prototypes that were a part of our recent display at the NY Gift Fair.  They are aprox. 4 inches tall and made from a soft cotton knit with a felt beak and wire legs and feet.  $17.

The pink dotted one is doing a funny little jig.  $17.  call 360-466-2303 to order.

This little chick is made with our special "picture book" printed cotton fabric.  All 3 of these soft birds are handmade original designs that are for sale for $17. each.  I think that's cheap! cheap! cheap! So give me a ring at the studio to order.  360-466-2303.