PAPAYA! BLOG

Inspired by Rae Dunn

I have long collected ceramic pieces from Rae Dunn and have always admired the combination of inspired simplicity, quirkiness and craftsmanship. I was sipping coffee out of my "Pause" mug this morning and thought, these are the little things that make me happy. 

PAPAYA! Warehouse: Cart Racing

One of our past times at the warehouse is cart racing.  These awesome scooter-push carts have lots of good uses but the best involves people, speed and a good challenge.  They turn on a dime and you can really pick up some speed in them! Lovely Flora & friends where in town for a visit and so we had to share the push-cart-joy on the warehouse tour! What fun would all this space be without some track racing! (My son is still probably the champion though!)And being the hambone that he is, my sweetie gave us an impromptu song from his imaginary stage, high above the boxes!  Good times...  (xoxox...Anahata)

Spiff that space!

Just days ago this space looked like an episode of Extreme Hoarders. I had unused furniture stashed, bins of vintage goodies, art supplies, unfolded (clean) laundry and bins for Goodwill.  Our spare/ Laundry room was in a sad storage state. But a little elbow grease and alas we have a cozy guest room again.  I'm hanging up my hoarding gloves for a bit too thankfully and enjoying some long lost pillows!  Much better.    Which means that familiar female feeling (of cleaning nagging) is finally gone and I can relax and enjoy some hard earned Mexican food!  ...Anahata

Introducing PAPAYA! LIVING: Luxe Boho Boutique

 

In PAPAYA! Land we've been bustling around for a while whipping up myriads of new designs, products, trade shows, and collections.  But amidst an ever growing brand we've decided it's time for a new venture.  A bit of the old school elbow grease and hand-spun manifesting.   Now when you wonder, "What is your inspiration?" we can reply, "Let us show you!". From home furnishings, exotic textiles, original artwork and collectible jewelry to off-beat accessories, fine paper arts, rare finds, select designers and, of course, the entire PAPAYA! spectrum.  PAPAYA! LIVING will be our creative lab offered up to anyone who wants to come and play with us.  We are so excited to be able to share our collections with the public the way we see ourselves.  It's wonderful to be wholesalers and watch retailers interpret our brand, but we are ready to carry out a larger creative vision of that delivery.  It is a dream come true for me personally and it's the biggest new expression since we began PAPAYA! in 2003.  We hope you'll come by or visit us when you pass through our busy little town.  Grand Opening Weekend April 1-3.  33 North Main St, Ashland, Oregon...  I'll be having a lot of fun updating you as we move along with our remodel of the 100 year old space!  So much work to do before we open and it's a frenzy of excitement and unfolding!  Off to a fresh 2011!

PAPAYA! on the road

Most of us Papaya elves have been on the road this month at shows either buying or selling or both and it's great to kick back at night with the kindreds after a long day and have a laugh. Lucky to work and play with the absolute best! Above, Sarah, me (Mindy), Gina, Ana and the booth in LA.

Registration and workshop information right here!

Musings

While our trade show team continues their coast to coast travels, I thought it would be nice to share glimpses of images that we see every day but are just now entering the market place. We work on these products at least six months before they make it to sample stage, catalog, booth and eventually...a store near you! This has been a particularly productive busy spurt for us and we're bubbling over to share what's about to enter the world. Above, please meet four of my recent favorites.

Because....

 

I adore this image, Asian Peony, that has recently been introduced into our line, but the handwritten text on this 5x7 card makes me smile every time I see it. Coming very soon to a retailer near you!

Papaya Hearts SF

Many of the Papaya! crew are in San Francisco this week for the first trade show of the season. Having lived there for many years, it makes me both happy and nostalgic thinking about our Oregon-based creative souls setting up shop there in our booth, making it home for a week or so. If you're planning on attending the San Francisco International Gift Show, please visit us at the Moscone Center, Booth #1326. We're so excited about our booth redesign and product launch....photos to follow as we start the month long cross country show circuit. The show opens Saturday and goes until Tuesday afternoon. See you there!

(And if you love this poster as much as I do, it's available in a great store in the Richmond on Clement Street called Park Life....or direct at www.orkposters.com)

Alain Delorme

I'm such a sucker for a great cart picture.  But these photo's by Alain Delorme just blow the roof off anything i've seen captured.  Carts and stacked motorcycles are so fascinating!  I love heaps of chicken cages stacked in Bali, muslin bags in China...Asia does transport like no place else!  And we can't even joy ride in the back of a pick up anymore.  Phooey!  Bring back fun on wheels right.  Source via: The jealous curator.