Surtex Scrapbook 2011, Part 1: Sunshine on 3 Rainy Days

Posted byCathy

May 28, 2011

Studio Life

We’re back in the Austin studio after Surtex in New York City.  Once again, we were inspired, energized, encouraged and exhausted.

The forecast for New York was rainy, and the weatherman was correct.  But lucky for us, we had one  perfectly pleasant day for “research” (shopping).  Then off to Jacob Javits we went, with Look Books in hand and a tasty picnic lunch, which we enjoyed on the floor of our booth.

Our newest addition this year was our new booth helper, Julianna, sister to Ellen, daughter to Cath.  Julianna just graduated with an art degree and will begin to pursue a graphic design degree this fall at VCUarts.  So we decided to put her to work in the family business, pronto. Nothing like a trade show to add a little reality-check to the glamour of graphic design.  Ha. Jules also brought a fresh new perspective, which kept us laughing throughout our set-up.

Photos above left to right: Ellen re-assembling our excellent stools we found last year. Cathy and Ellen hanging the Emma panel. Ellen and Julianna goofing around with a Little Pond duck towel, which coincidentally used to fit on Julianna’s own tiny after-bath head.

For our background frames this year, we chose a soft buttery yellow, primarily because it worked so well with one of our featured collection, Bot Buddies … but, also because it would add a little bit of sunshine in the midst of the florescent halls of the Javits Center, and, as it turns out, a bright respite from the rain that fell on New York City all three days.

All of our marketing pieces celebrated Bot Buddies, and once again we ordered our coordinating flowers from Big Apple Florist and they did a great job.
Photos above left to right: Our booth is finally up and the sisters are a little slap-happy.  Cathy attaching the cyber-cute sign to the Bot Buddies panel. Cathy and Ellen, relieved that the booth is finished … and, just in time for a tasty New York dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Trattoria d’el Arte.

Below is a little mini-movie Julianna made of our booth going up in one minute.  Ah, if only … Next post, we’ll introduce you to our new Surtex neighbors (and now friends) from across the ocean.  Have a wonderful Memorial Day everyone.