The Art Of — beeswax

Blog Menu

Christina Laing - The Buffalo Collective

Posted by Chelsie Kelley · October 15, 2018

A PASSION FOR DESIGN & HELPING LOCAL CREATIVES with Christina Laing of The Buffalo Collective

Hello! I’m Christina Laing, owner and head designer at The Buffalo Collective, a small graphic design business in Buffalo, NY. We provide custom branding and website design for photographers, artists, and creative businesses. We are makers above all else, believing in unique one-of-a-kind design.

Over the past ten years as an artist, I have pursued many creative paths. Student, photographer, gallery curator, studio manager, designer, traveler, dreamer. I went to school for photography and art history, and later began my very short career as a wedding photographer. As the years went on I realized that I had a greater passion for design, helping local creatives, and giving them the tools needed to chase their dreams.

Local Design & Chasing Dreams

Most days you can find me in my studio, an old furniture warehouse turned artist lofts in the Hydraulics District of Buffalo, NY. As fall creeps in I like to spend evenings in the studio as well... the windows open, cool breeze coming through the window, and the most perfect view of the city skyline out the window. My favorite little candle-lit nook is perfect for catching up on emails and working on client drawings.

I am inspired by all things Buffalo and anything with a rich history, soul, and a story. I am particularly drawn to old handprinted signs and advertisements. My design style is very modern and minimal. I firmly believe, "it seems that perfection is attained not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing more to remove." (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

I try to give each of my clients something unique to them, to their values, to their brand. Everyone has that one thing that makes them stand out, that makes their clients say "it just has to be you and no one else." Watching our clients grow, evolve, and truly come into their own is the most fulfilling part of the design process and something I will never grow tired of.

As I near the 5 year mark in my business, I'm taking time to stop, breathe, light a candle, and as always, be grateful for this humbling life that I have built for myself. Just like the first spring rain washes away the dirt of winter, the first autumn breeze rings in a season of change. Self reflection, growth, creative freedom. I'm excited for what this new season will bring to The Buffalo Collective and for our clients!

Interested in The Buffalo Collective? Visit her website here: www.thebuffalocollective.com

Or follow her on social media @thebuffalocollective

0 comments

Raelyn Woltz - West End Interiors

Posted by Chelsie Kelley · June 22, 2018

COLOR, TEXTURE & MEANINGFUL DECOR with Raelyn Woltz of West End Interiors

Hello! My name is Raelyn Woltz and I am the owner and principal designer of West End Interiors in Buffalo NY. My goal is to design, deliver, and execute my clients a beautiful and timeless design.

Specializing in space planning, unique finishes, and project management, I take pride in delivering Buffalo a much-needed modern take on interior design. I cover a variety of interior design styles, but excel in a west-coast-cool aesthetic. I love fine details in built-ins and cabinets, clean lines, well placed lighting, and especially tile work.

Creating Warm + Inviting Spaces

My travels have constantly inspired me to bring a diverse aesthetic to Buffalo and cater to the modern families who are looking for more than the average homeowner. I excel at taking inspiration from the client and combining that with my expertise to deliver a project that is loved for years.

The new designs that are offered by Northern Lights fit into the different styles of my clients. I love a simple pillar candle for my more modern designs, the hand-blown glass containers for my transitional designs, and the bee hive candle fits perfectly with my eclectic decor. They bring an additional sense to experience the room and help me create warm and inviting looks.

0 comments

Liesl Maertens - Buckaloo View

Posted by Chelsie Kelley · February 27, 2018

HAND DYED, HAND SPUN, NATURAL YARN PRODUCTS with Liesl Maertens of Buckaloo View

My name is Liesl Maertens. I'm a knitter, seamstress, natural dyer, spinner and designer. I live on a small farm in North Western NJ that has been in my family for over a century called Buckaloo View. For a few decades now, it hasn't been an active farm. But with the help of my mom, I am in the process of bringing it back to life. I forage and grow materials to dye fibers with. In 2018, I'll be getting goats, sheep and alpaca for fiber production, so I can raise and spin my own yarn to dye. My goal is to have a self-sustaining farm and live as closely and quietly to the land as possible.

Natural Dyes + Fibers

I prefer to grow and forage as much dye material as I can. My favorites are black walnuts, marigolds, cosmos and goldenrod, as well as various kitchen scraps, such as onion skins and avocado pits.

Certain things like black walnut hulls have high levels of tannin that naturally adhere to fiber easily. The fiber itself plays a role, cellulose based or protein based fiber take color differently and certain preparations need to be done to help color stick. Silk, alpaca and even different breeds of wool all take dye differently. You can use modifiers like vinegar or baking soda to alter the pH of a dye bath and change the color. Through research and experimentation, I've discovered which dyes work best with corresponding fibers to get the results I desire.

I love the fact that I can incorporate my love of nature and plants in my art - from dyeing fiber naturally to the inspiration behind many of my knitted designs. Slow, artful living and embracing simplicity is important to me. Wearing handmade items and filling my home with products that have a story is essential. There isn't anything more relaxing than putting my feet up after a long day, sipping a cup of tea, lighting a hand poured artisan candle and knitting a new design.

Visit her blog here: www.buckalooview.com

Or follow her on social media @BuckalooView

1 comment