Make Your Own Moodboard

Every creative person knows the value of having a mood board. Regardless of the project, post or concept, tangible collages can kickstart any brainstorm. Over the past year, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect board. I’ve rummaged through nearly every home goods site, though nothing’s been the right fit, style or price. So, recently, I decided to embark upon making my own board, fit-to-size above my desk. I figured I’m not the only one who’s contemplated tackling this feat, so why not share my step-by-step with Pattern Pulp’s audience. Here goes…

1. Any thin piece of plywood will do. Luckily I live near Prince Lumber, so they were willing to cut my plank to size. Since mood boards are usually on the smaller side, you can probably find a piece of scrap wood at a lumber yard or hardwood store that’s free or next to nothing.

2. I purchased cork squares at Aronson’s Flooring on 17th St.

3. Use any wood glue, (this one doubled as heavy duty rubber cement) and paint two generous coats on every surface that will be affixed. Make sure to wait until the first coat has dried before repeating. It’s a good idea to do this project outside, as the smell can be overwhelming (I learned the hard way).

4. Once the glue has dried, piece everything together then secure with a weight. I put a few wooden benches on my board to stop any warping and secure the adhesive process.

5. Pick any fabric you like to cover your board. Keep in mind that the tacks will leave holes and a bit of stretch is a good thing, so you might be better off choosing a linen. I went with a beige and polka dot fabric from Mood.

6. Once the plywood and cork have dried and are a single unit, it’s time to affix the cloth to the cork side of the board. Cut to size and be sure to leave a few inches for wrap around. I used the same glue to secure the fabric- make sure you smooth out any air bubbles while you’re staple gunning your cloth down. Anyone who’s made their own canvas will be familiar with this stretching process.

7. Decoration! I bought a thin red ribbon to jazz up the final product. The grid’s also a practical addition, as it keeps paper suspended without needing a tack.

8. Wa la! You can hang your board with wire and nails or simply rest it on a desk. If anyone else tackles this process, I’d love to see what you come up with!

May 18, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

AOL'S Shelterpop

I’m delighted to announce that Pattern Pulp was recently featured in Shelterpop, a leading home and lifestyle online magazine for AOL. The article highlights the living room, the most versatile room in the home. Check out the slideshow to see how everyone from Alexis Garrett of Fern and Feather, Angela Swinderman of Ruby Press, Bailey Daniel of Peppermint Bliss and many more live, blog and multitask behind the scenes.

May 10, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Homegoods: Missoni Sample Sale

It’s rather exciting when brands tastefully execute graphic pattern trends. Be it pixelated pillows or outlined animal print plates, Missoni Home always seems to get it right, remaining at the forefront of creative home accessory production. After seeing so many half hazard attempts at the digital trend, it’s refreshing to see the correct fusion of materials, creative direction and finish, and it’s particularly refreshing to see a brand push trends that aren’t necessarily ‘market-safe.’ Tomorrow, a vast array of their home goods will be for sale on Gilt Groupe. Even if you don’t buy, it’s worth perusing- just for inspiration’s sake.

May 6, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion: Florals Getting Fierce

As temperatures rise in Manhattan, it truly feels like summer’s around the corner. Fashion editors, publishers and retailers are simultaneously feeling a collective green thumb, as saturated florals flood the marketplace. Deep, vibrant blossoms are appearing on everything from home goods to branded merchandise. This Velvet Due chair slipcover, which was recently highlighted in the design issue of the New York Times Style Magazine, was created by Ken Scott, and is the epitome of psychedelic wonderment.

Merging Americana themes with Japanese style, Barbie‘s most recent collaboration with Comme des Garcons presents a gridded floral pattern entitled, Jingle Flowers. Whether you’re pairing magenta with turq, yellow or black, you won’t go wrong with any of these combos, as this all-star color palette is ushering in summer with broad strokes and intricate details.

May 5, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Follow-up: White Collectives

Eight months ago, white moulding was everywhere– from fragrance packaging to window displays to music cover art. It appears as though this trend is continuing to evolve, as Rudolf Stingel’s latest ceramic collaboration with Bernardaud and Art Production Fund’s, WOW, proves 3D can become 2D when translated appropriately. Sandra Ballentine of the The New York Times Style section recently wrote a piece about this magnificent collaboration, saying, “The plates, which come in an edition of 2,500 in both black and white, are based on photographs of a wall relief that Stingel began in 2008. Fittingly, that project was inspired by the wallpaper in the dining room of his childhood home.” The plates are available for purchase at Works on Whatever.

May 4, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Budget Buys: John Robshaw Sale

We’ve always been a fan of John Robshaw’s textiles. His offerings are a testament to his passion for authentic artisan prints and techniques from a variety of cultures around the world. With a touch of artistic intervention he adds an authentic touch to old techniques with little tweaks- like mixing and matching patterns and using methods of overlapping to update age-old crafts. The results are stunning and we’re excited to announce his Spring Sample Sale, going on from May 4 – 7; pop in and foray around as if you’re in one of the old world markets Robshaw frequents and see what goodies you can find!

245 West 29th Street: New York, NY. 10001, 11 am – 8 pm