Destination: Catalonia by Tea Collection

Speaking of Spring, Tea Collection introduces its new line of clothing for women and children inspired by Catalonia - one of Spain's autonomous communities.  I particularly love the children's section, with  dresses and shirts for boys and girls.  Watch this video of behind the scenes shots from the children's line or hop by their store to start shopping.

Shop of the Week: Joom

Our Shop of the Week giveaway winner is none other than Hannah. Thank you so much Joom for the great interview and giveaway & Congratulations Hannah!

Shop of the Week: Joom

I have featured one of Joom's pillows last month on my post, beautiful blue things. Joom Klangsin graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts in Silpakorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.  Then in 1996 she studied graphic design at the Academy of Arts College, California.  She personally creates pouches, bags, pillows, print and artwork with bird designs from her home in San Francisco.

As our Shop of the Week, Joom is giving away one of her signature pouches to one commenter.  This lovely pink coral cotton canvas with a Cardinal on Agapanthus screen print.  You can read details on how to join after the interview.

What's the inspiration behind your shop's name?

Joom is my nick name which is short and easy to remember.

How old is your shop?

About 5 years

What inspired you to start your own home business?

I love Lotta Jansdotter products. I like her style, clean and simple design.
Her work inspired me to start my own line.

Joom, on work mode

Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in your craft?

I rough my designs (graphic) on the computer or sometimes paper.  I think of the products and what type of materials are involved. Next, I work on the prototype then adjusting from there.

Joom's craft materials

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?

Improving my design to stay relevant and also stay true to myself.

How did you get over it?

Find some more inspirations from music, nature and things around me, go shopping.

Please Name:

the things you do when you're not busy in your shop

I paint sometime. I love baking, cooking and gardening.

Stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without

My wallet, cell phone, keys.

your favorite shops

westelm
Crate and Barrel
Anthropologie

your top 3 favorite picks from your shop

Birdie Wall Hanging Clock

Tea I Love Print

Flying By Rectangle Pillow

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?

Think about what you can do to improve the products that you see on the Market.
You have to enjoy what you're doing and don't give up too easy.
Also customer service is very important.

Any message to your customers and the people who support you?

I would like to thank you all the customers for supporting me and all the bloggers who featured my work on their blogs.

~*~*~*~ 

To enter the giveaway:

1. Hop over Joom. Then come back here and tell us your favorite piece from the shop. (1 entry)

Additional Entries:

2. Become a follower of my blog by clicking the FOLLOW button on the sidebar. 

(Pls leave a separate comment for an extra entry)

3.  Twit or Facebook about this giveaway. (if you Twit, please tag it as @theshopbug) 

(Pls leave a separate comment for an extra entry) 

4 Blog about this giveaway.

(Pls leave a separate comment with your blog's URL for an extra entry) 

The winner will be picked via Random generator and will be announced on Monday, August 30.

Thank you so much Joom for this great interview & giveaway!  

DIY update

Morning all,

Just a quick update this morning on my little weekend DIY project. After much indecision deliberation, I went with my first thought and decided to paint my little setting white (thanks so much to everyone for your advice). These chairs are actually part of a set, along with a two-seater, and that's what I've painted so far. It looks fantastic and I'm really pleased with it.

Now before I show you the final result, I need to recover the seat cushion. I'm loving all things ikat right now, due in no small part to all the irresistible eye candy Louise has gathered over at Table Tonic. So many lovelies to choose from, and by sticking with white I can change the cushions whenever I like for a whole new look. Take a peek:

if you haven't already, go check out Louise's beautiful Table Tonic blog - you'll be so glad you did!

are you feeling it? I love this look over at Made By Girl

love this one too from greenwithglamour.com

Or how about these - it's hard to go past uncle Ralph Lauren for seriously beautiful fabrics - and these are suitable for outdoor use too - perfect.

above all from Ralph Lauren

source unknown - sorry!

from Thibaut

There was method in my madness in going white, but I must say it was a tough decision not to go all out in the colour department. But there are the two single chairs still to paint, so who knows what I'll decide for those.

I'll post all the pics once it's all finished and looking pretty.

Have a great week everyone,