{Inspiration} balloons, a kitty, & a boy...

Last year I wrote a blog post about my love of the movie The Red Balloon. The post was written as a documentation of my first year blogging & the new banner my friend Chantale made for me using a Red Balloon inspired photo I took of Sayer on his birthday. The movie served as inspiration again for this recent photo shoot for the new klt:works kitty tee that I did with Sayer. Incidentally, the kitty on the tee is actually our kitty. I used a picture of her from when she was kitten (before Sayer was born) as reference- she was my first klt:works muse.

As always, things have been busy with lots of new products filling the shop - namely, lots of new kid's apparel. Sayer is finished with pre-school for the summer & coming up with fun activities is at the forefront of my mind. It's a total bonus that  I can put a new tee on him & head out on an adventure- with the camera in hand. It fits the philosophy & aesthetic of klt:works well to have real life snippets represented in the collection. Plus, (as I've mentioned before I know) I love taking photos of him. 

This was a fun Sunday for Sayer & I a few weeks ago. Our little downtown is nearly a ghost town on Sundays- 75% of it is closed. So after a trip to the party store, we headed downtown to explore. I always love the textures, colors & history in the alleys. I've gone through a handful of the doors we pass by over my lifetime. I grew up in this town. I left for college & graduate school - but then ended up back here. I've worked, watched movies, eaten at restaurants & shopped here for over 30 years. Weird to think really. Needless to say, I know it well & it's fun to see it through Sayer's eyes- better yet to document it. 


Thanks to all of you that stop by this blog now & then to read & see my thoughts. I really do appreciate it  & I'm constantly amazed at how many wonderful people that  I have met here. I look forward to another year of blogging!  Hope you are having a great weekend! 


** new blue kitty tee pictured : here 

{Inspiration} Mr. Rogers & the garden of your mind...

Last Friday, PBS posted a video that has had me on a major Mr. Rogers kick ever since. I've been playing it pretty much non-stop since I first saw it in the PBS facebook feed. Mr. Rogers Neighborhood conjures up such nice memories - it's a wonderful hit of nostalgia. But as a mom, it was a really perfect reminder of a special show - & as a small business owner, it was the much needed inspiration I'd been seeking. 

Some of you may remember me talking about my love of watching documentary films when I'm needing to decompress & take a creative break. Well, this little video got me on a search that led me to Mr. Rogers & Me & I watched it this weekend (I actually bought it on itunes). It was just what I needed- two thumbs up from me!

I introduced Sayer to Mr. Rogers this weekend as well. Not only by the cool "Garden of Your Mind" video, but by watching a few episodes of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. I was thrilled to see that there are videos posted on PBSkids. We watched an episode on Tuesday about paper (here). This is what it inspired.... 

We had a blast making this paper chain like the one in the Mr. Rogers paper episode. But we had even more fun playing with it. Of course, I had to document this colorful play (along with the new german pointer toddler tee). 


Thanks Fred Rogers, for still encouraging continuous joy...

Mr. Rogers image via 

{Shop Update} Alfred Hitchcock love...

I wasn't kidding when I said I have lots of new tees on the way. Yep, I picked up another box of klt:works tees from the screen printer on Friday. I've been excited about these raven tees for a long time now & have enjoyed dreaming up different ways to photograph them. However, with limited time & the attention span of a 3yr old, making my  photographic dreams into a reality becomes more of a spontaneous adventure that involves a lot of crossed fingers. There is also the fact that I really don't like modeling the women's tees. I think somewhere between working from home, becoming a mom, & entering into my 40's - my crazy body image issues have reached an all time high. But, sometimes I just have to suck it up & leave my insecurities at the door. Chris & I had a date night on Friday night while Sayer had a sleepover at his grandparents house. Part of our fun evening included some wine, dipping into the costume trunk & documenting some tees. 

Then to continue this crazy vision of mine, we all headed out Sunday on a really blustery day- to play in the "wind tunnels" downtown. I love the gritty backdrop of the alleys & was doing my best to channel a little Alfred Hitchcock while trying to catch up with Sayer as he ran & explored all of the cool nooks & crannies. 

So there you have it... raven tees for the whole family! (I have yet to upload the raven onesies & toddler s/s eco tees.) The next two boxes of klt:tees are actually getting printed by a new screen printer that I just found. I can't wait to see them & have another little documenting adventure... 

{new klt:works tees}

Organic Scoop Raven Tee here 

Organic Unisex Raven Tee here 

Long Sleeve Raven Toddler Tee here

{photos} a day at the beach...

I love the beach. It's always been a place that I gravitate to. No matter where I've lived, I've found where the nearest river, lake, or ocean, quickly. Romping around in the seaweed, sand & water calms me right down. Yesterday the three of us headed to a nearby beach to revel in it's goodness. Why are my guys dressed the same you ask yourself? Do we always go places dressed alike? Well, I admit, this was one of my multitasking ventures. I'm in the middle of a flurry of new klt:products & needed photos of the new adult sized owl cardigan. I thought I would get some updated photos of the kiddo cardi too. So, I brought the camera with me on our adventure- hoping to capture a little something special. It was a bit overcast so the cardigans were perfect for the beach. Oh, & we don't always dress the same, but we do find on occasion that we are all wearing an owl tee (just different colors).

Beach photos are some of my favorites & add these two guys to the mix, it's a recipe for me to go a bit nutty with the camera.  250+ photos later & I have some keepers that I think capture the day. It was just what we needed... & I felt lots of seaweed & sand in my toes. Where is your favorite place to escape to?

{shop update} photoshoots & play...

It's been really busy around here lately & I've been attached to my camera. I work with a local screen printer & have had about 5 orders sitting at his studio for over a month now - to say he has been overwhelmed is a bit of an understatement (I've had to count to 10 -sometimes 20 many times this last month). However, new products have been slowly trickling in this week & I've been going full speed ahead. With new products comes many photoshoots & the need to be extra creative as to how I'm going to photograph my independent little kiddo- who has his own ideas about what the day will bring. I've been getting him excited about the new additions to his closet & taking the camera with us everywhere we go, in hopes of getting some interesting shots. One of Sayer's favorite things to say to me on days like this is, "Mommy, look at me with your eyes- put the camera away!".  

Yesterday we started our adventure at the local farmer's market on the water front & cruised around that area for a bit- including looking for trolls under bridges & hanging out in the wind tunnels (alleys). Sayer was wearing the new klt:works Rabbit tee & it wasn't until I saw this last photo that I realized that the small klt:logo was missing on the back of the tee (where the tag is) -use your imagination as to what choice words came to mind. Ok, I won't dwell on that- moving on. So later after a snack & a rest, Sayer was a champ & allowed me to take some photos of him in studio reading the Velveteen Rabbit.    

These next photos were taken on the evening Sayer got his first pair of glasses. I wanted document that momentous event anyway ... so I had him wear one of the new Squirrel Cardigans.

We live a hop skip & a jump from my old high school (yes, it does feel a little weird at times) & now that school is out for the summer, we use the campus as our own little play area. Sayer loves to ride his bike over there & play "school". There are random desks & chairs hanging around outside & Chris & I take turns being the "teacher".  He basically drove himself to & from the photoshoot which makes me smile- he's such a pro. 

Just a day in the life of the klt:works family... Stay tuned for more shop updates. There is so much more to share. 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend! How do you celebrate the 4th of July or Canada Day?

{Real Life} childhood friends...

Do you have people in your life that no matter what mood you're in- running into them always makes you feel happy? You know, the kind of people that you are so sad to walk away from & always hope to have an all night gabfest with? I met one of those people when I was in pre-school. Her name is Brynne & immediately I felt connected to her. I always had a sense from her eyes & smile, that she felt the same way about me. I remember the first time I saw her- although the memories are foggy, it's the feeling I had that I remember most. The feeling that I was safe to be me, that I was understood, & that I belonged...just pure relief. Brynne & I have crossed paths several times in our lifetime & every single time I have had the same feelings come over me.  We ran into each other briefly when were both in a strange sort of crossroad emotionally. It was comforting to see her & we exchanged email addresses. She lived in Mexico & I was living in our home valley. Years passed & one day I got a group email that she sent out with a picture of her in front of a computer photo booth, with a sweet little girl on her lap. I calculated the months & realized that we had babies within days of each other (& that I had a picture of Sayer & I that was almost identical)!

This is where facebook comes in. I've been so grateful to have reconnected with Brynne through this crazy social media crazed world we live in. She still lives in Mexico & she did have a little girl 2 days before Sayer was born. Even through the computer, she makes me smile. Saturday, I was lucky enough to enjoy a little visit from both she & her daughter, Sofia. She still has family in the area & is around for a short while. My daydreams of Sayer & Sofia meeting finally became a reality. I can't even explain how nice it was to chat with her, mother to mother as well. That comforting, "I like you how you are." feeling, is particularly nice when you are trying to figure out the whole parenting a toddler thing, I learned. 

It warmed my heart to watch these two kiddos interact. I wonder if Sayer feels the same way about Sofia that I did about her momma at that age? It sure seemed like it. 

These two girls made my weekend. I had an extra hop in my step, chattered 100 miles an hour, & still feel energized (with a sense of calm at the same time) from them coming over. I'm looking forward to some possible artistic collaborations in the future with Brynne (she is a writer) so stay tuned for that. It's so interesting to me that the friends that offer me the most (daily) joy & support tend to live in different countries. We live in a crazy & wonderful world don't we? Hope you all had a great weekend. Happy Monday! 

{Real Life}

Being a mom to a toddler, who works from home, is a nutty adventure. Some days make more sense than others. I seriously think that there is more creativity that is exhibited from me in a day from my "mommy" duties than for klt:works lately. Nap time is golden in this venture. It's when I get things done (or sometimes I just drool -staring blankly at the computer screen). Regardless, it's needed by both of us in this house. Sayer is going through this little stage these days- he knows he has the power to get out of bed & he is abusing this power greatly! Today was seriously silly. In attempt to stall, he told me he wanted to take pictures with mommy. Well, I bit- his plan worked. I've found that sometimes all it takes is a mini photo shoot for him to settle down and sleep. Besides, I didn't think it wouldn't hurt to get something accomplished for the biz too. So, I gathered up some props, tees, & the camera and we headed off....

I never have to worry - Sayer lets me know when he is done (wink). While that isn't a yawn you see,  he did take a nap right after this photo shoot. It lasted long enough for me to edit some photos and write this. So, all is not lost in the world of klt:works production. I did get something done this afternoon. I now have some new photos of the owl tee that I didn't have before & my little model is honing his skills. If I am lucky, I will be able to upload some photos later today. Until then, it is time to go to the park..... 

*Also, if anyone that is reading this has some suggestions as to how to keep an adventurous toddler in bed at night, I am open (& grateful)  for suggestions. Thanks!

Where Is Here?

I was recently asked by someone who was doing a blog feature on artists in this area,  to take a picture of myself in a favorite northwest spot. You may remember me mentioning in a previous post that I tend to shy away from the camera and the idea of having my picture taken sometimes makes me anxious. But, it sounded like a fun project so I agreed to go along with it. Besides, I am meeting so many wonderful people via the web, that it is a great opportunity to share where "here" is. In order to get this picture however, I needed Chris' help (the camera timer can only do so much). Our schedules are a bit crazy these days & Chris started teaching at the college yesterday. Which means our window of opportunity to get some photos before my deadline was very slim. Yesterday had to be the day - after class, and on the way to pick up Sayer from my parents' house, that the pictures would be taken. 

True to the reputation of this area, we have been experiencing a lot of rain lately and yesterday there was a downpour! Being that this was the only time to take pictures, I was a little concerned. However, I did want the pictures to be authentic so when Chris got home we just headed out - I grabbed a hat and that was that. One thing about the weather here, is that there are little sun breaks now and then. I have learned that it is better to go with the flow and work with the weather, rather than fight it. So we did and it was a lot of fun. We started on riverfront in downtown Mount Vernon (where the farmer's market is), then took the backroads, all the way to La Conner. We stopped when we saw something we liked. 

I have cruised these same backroads since I first got my driver's license. They are peaceful and picturesque. As much as I moan about living in my home town now- I never tire of the scenery. Chris and I both love old barns and have always dreamed of renovating one to live in. There are so many cool ones scattered throughout Mount Vernon. This is just one of them that I made Chris stop for yesterday. 

As we got closer to La Conner, we had to make another stop - for a family of deer. We were in one of my favorite Mount Vernon areas and not too far from a place I used to work in high school (a little pottery studio that is no longer there). 

So, this is where I am from and where I now hang my hat. I have to say, I am at peace with being here finally. I have fought it over the years, but having my own family and seeing it through their eyes gives me a whole new perspective. Having lived other places, I do now realize how beautiful it is in Mount Vernon.  And seriously, how many places can you see a peacock cross the road on your way home?

{Spontaneous Photoshoot} Part II

A little over a month ago, I wrote about our spontaneous photoshoots with Sayer and how they tend to be a family affair that offer up many challenges. Well, it is crazy to me how much things can change in small period of time for a toddler (& parents)- the growth is amazing. This month, I have been holding mini photoshoot sessions with Sayer myself- more as just a fun activity that Sayer and I can do together. I was pleasantly surprised how much he wanted to get his photo taken. He actually asks to do it now. We had a marathon session yesterday that resumed after his nap and included 3 shirt changes! 

I think he understands the process and that the photos are for mommy's work. He really enjoys going through the photos with me on the computer after they are taken and he usually offers up his input. The hardest part for me is to wade through the 400+ photos and choose which ones to use . I have to take my mommy hat off and put on my klt:works hat- which is tough to do. So, here are my favorite 3 from each shoot - wow, what a task that was! 

We had quite an awesome adventure yesterday. I love how our worlds collide. I really do think that Sayer will be my art director soon (he actually chose his tees). He seems to have quite an eye. Not only did we end up with some fun photos yesterday, but Sayer really started rockin' the harmonica! It was the first time that he made sounds by blowing out rather than sucking in. It was a milestone day all around. Can't wait for the next photoshoot. Until then, I think our next adventure will be a haircut for the little dude.