Ruminations from Origin & Ash

2010-06-07T09:58:00.001-07:00

OK.......

I have been asked countless, hundreds of times since opening Origin & Ash12 years ago...not only how to organize your home but how to organize your lives! I used to get anonymous calls asking what florist to use or who gives a great pedicure! I have even given lessons on where to place what and how and demonstrated techniques on pillow-fluffing and vacuuming... (you know who you guys are!)

I am certain that this is the result of extensive years of moving...(I moved 30+ different times and I am 40 years old! ) That is a lot of moving...from Florida, Texas and Connecticut...New Orleans to Arizona and Bryn Mawr! I learned to navigate culture, speech, dress, attitude, style, home....and so I am where I am for a reason and have found a way through the store and my work to take that and turn it into a positive and utilize my experiences. I have been to every extreme from posh resorts and living of Palm Beach and the Hamptons to apartments in downtown neighborhoods of Detroit and West Philadelphia. I have been asked to help plan parties and weddings to what color to paint the walls or stain the floorboards. I promise...I have seen it all from trailers to mcmansions...and not one is better than the other!

I know I am putting myself out there for some to say "Who are you?" or "Why would I want your advice?"...and simply I will say, I am just me and if you don't want my advice, that is ok! But, I know that years of entering new schools and environments across the country has provided me something that I can offer and for me that is great reward! To take the anxieties and fears of meeting new people and assimilating into new cultures was difficult but it has made me who I am and because I have seen the results of what cleaning out a closet or organizing your mudroom, wearing the right scarf or carrying the right handbag can do..... I know it is worth it!

Who we are is a story and how we represent ourselves through our homes, cars, dress and attitude tells others who we are and that is important.

Many of my friends and clients not only ask me everything from where to get a haircut, a purse or a pair of shoes but what kind of haircut, which bag, and what shoes? From skincare to dress I have helped people not only rearrange their homes but themselves. I have stood in line at Blue Mercury choosing serums and sat through countless pairs of shoes at Saks. I have spent hours sifting through closets and rearranging bookcases. This is what I am good at and this is what I do. No.... I do not think I am any better for it. In fact, I paid a high price and no one should be like me. I am hyper-sensitive to my surroundings, a perfectionist and hardest on myself. But, I know that we all must live the best we can every day because we do not know what tomorrow will bring us. It is not frivolous to enjoy our homes or appreciate the things that can make our daily lives easier and better. It is how it is. We are all trying to do our best!

It is hard to do. Life is hard. How do we possibly navigate everything? I mean all the decorating in the world still leads to the inevitable question of "What am I missing?" "What next?" "Why do I still not feel confident when I run into a friend at Food Source?" and the worst...."I don't want to have anyone over because my house is a mess!" OK, this is not good! We go to the doctor when we are sick and hire a trainer to watch us do crunches. Why not have someone help with the management of our lifestyle?

I can help you go through your homes and organize your rooms from the kids clutter to your closet. Once a week I will help provide this service that extends from personal management to personal shopping.

If you are interested, have questions or want to arrange a consultation, please email or call with complete confidentiality!!

P.S. Happy Spring Cleaning!!!

Marcie!

Spirit

2010-06-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

I am reading the book, "Little Bee" it is an amazing story that has really touched me and raised some questions about the value of a life and the strength of an individual's spirit. Where does the strength come from? Especially when the odds are stacked against you? Where will life take you when you are stuck but ready to move on? I know this feeling and for me it is one step at a time. So easy to say but everything hinges on everything else, so you have to move, push, hope, try and build and rebuild.....which leads me to Origin & Ash! It was hard to make the decision to move. Should we stay or move? Close or move on? But, here we are, a block away and across the street and it is a whole new venture. A whole new way of seeing things. We put a lot of heart and soul into this new space and we are still pushing ahead to new destinations and ventures that we hope everyone will join us in! Come by and say hi and see the new O & A!

xoxox

Marcie & TR

Ready to Show the World!

2009-11-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

After 11 years in one location, we are embarking on a new journey with Origin & Ash. It is as simple as moving across the street and up one block to 933 West Lancaster Avenue! We will be continuing thru Nov 30th in our original location and will begin renovating a new space that will embody all of our aesthetic values while keeping in mind that the retail and art world are and have changed. Our new space will re-establish our history in Bryn Mawr as the premier home furnishings and furniture store. In addition, we have plans to expand into new markets that are reaching out for something new, innovative and refreshing. Santa Monica, Austin and New York are on our radar and we plan to open galleries in each of these locations in 2010-2011. TR Risk's original furniture and art have exceed our expectations and commissions and sales are coming in despite the economy. Why? Because these are truly functional, beautiful and real. Each piece is an original handcrafted work of art, unmatched by any other. Origin & Ash is now synonymous with quality, integrity and sophistication. After a decade of serving the Philadelphia area, we are ready to show the world what we can offer!

Come See What you Missed at Origin & Ash!

2009-11-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

Summer Neswletter 2009

2009-06-25T10:43:00.001-07:00

Summer 2009 Just an update that all is well and we are really thankful to all of you who have continued to support us in these difficult times! We are soon heading into our 12th year and plan on making a few changes that will keep us current and fresh. We have always been "green" incorporating handmade, reclaimed, recycled and vintage. Two years ago we became a part of the SFC, the sustainable furnishings council. The biggest part of that, of course, is our furniture by T.R. Risk who has continued to challenge himself and grow over his 15 year career as an artist and furniture designer. That will not change and neither will our commitment to carrying only the best and the most unique for the home! We have really struggled with What's next? Where do we go from here? And, we have to say that our business has continued to thrive and we see a real market for the lifestyle and brand that Origin & Ash represents. If it were not for that continued "need" we would not be here and so we hope that we must be doing something right in offering a service that is truly special. Times are difficult. We all know that. Everyone has been affected in some way or another. We have lost many treasured vendors who gave us beautiful handmade goods and have seen the closing doors of colleagues or friends. Nevertheless we hope to push on and continue to offer new furnishings as well as those that have been tried and true. Everyone stops me and asks, "Hey...(a bit hushed) How's business? How are things?" My answer from the day we opened is always the same...."It is hard!" This is a true labor of love and passion. We did not open with a goal of profits or the plan of a big payday. We did not sell things that would just make us "money." We are and always have been basically selling ourselves and our lifestyle. This is what we do- day in and day out. It is always hard. Never easy but always rewarding! TR and I believe in what we are doing, who we are and what we are offering. And, I always said that the day things changed would be the day we closed. Trust me, I have daily thoughts of doing something easier, more profitable, less stressful, less painful...but someone walks through that door on Lancaster Avenue and changes my mind. Again and again. Thank you!! It is all we can say. Thank you for walking through the door. We are grateful each day that you allow us to enter your homes and become a part of your family. Some of you we see often. Others we spend a great deal of time with only to not see you for a few years (yes, we know! you are rebuilding the bank account!) Regardless, while your lives certainly do not revolve around us- your lives do revolve around ours! We think about each of you. Your kids that have grown up...the talks or moments we shared...the knowledge that our lives are fuller and better because we met each and every one of you. And, it is irrelevant whether you have only come in to browse or say hello. Of course, your business keeps us going but what really drives us is always simple yet surprising- and that is the trust you put into us. Some of you leave the doors open to your homes. Give us deposits that are (Huge!! We admit) based on a handshake. Include us in your lives. Invite us to dinner. Trust us and put your faith in our abilities. That is amazing and we are really very lucky!!! ...We'll keep you posted on new updates ahead. Summer is generally quiet and this August we will be closed for much of the month for vacation. TR has been busy with custom and new paintings inspired by Modigliani (my favorite) I am excited about some new lines we will be offering and doing some fun and interesting design work. Main Line Today magazine is shooting our home for an upcoming issue and we are on a few house/kitchen tours in the fall, so we will send out the information as it arises. We also plan on having a mid-summer sale- yes SALE! A four letter word not often spoken here but all the same we hope to be able to offer all of you something that maybe you have been coveting and holding out for. We are thinking July which will celebrate my pending 40th! I could go on and on, so check out my blog via the website where I ramble on every now and again! And, of course if you do not want to receive updates from us, we will be sorry but will remove you from the list- just let us down gently! Enjoy your summer- TR, Marcie and Jagger! Origin & Ash...The Home Store for The Extraordinary & The Unique! 876 West Lancaster Avenue Bryn Mawr, Pa 19010 610-527-6627 www.originandash.com

Survivors

2009-03-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about the world and the changes that are happening. It seems everyone is talking about "change." For the good or for many, the worse it seems that no matter what we do we will move forward. The thing is never giving up. I can recall countless times I have thrown my hands up in the air to catch myself saying, "OK! I give in. I give up." Only to quickly put down my hands and move ahead. Why do we do it? Propel ourselves forward even when we are told it is better to just stop and give in? Are we crazy or stubborn? Dogmatic in our views? Or are we survivors?

I think we are survivors- the ones who never give up. Refuse to give in and keep on going even if it hurts. For better or worse we all need to survive. Let's keep moving!

"The Cultural Creatives"

2009-02-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

I was reading an editorial by Julie M. Smith of Vance Publishing in the Feb. issue of Design & Decor. She talks about reading a book published in 2000 titled "The Cultural Creatives: How 50 Million People Are Changing The World" by sociologist Paul H. Ray and psychologist Sherry Ruth Anderson. She talks about how Ray and Anderson describe the distinct characteristics and values that govern nearly a quarter of the adults in Western society.

I am excited to find that I an indeed not as alone as I thought I was. Not nearly! And, I am wondering, "Where are these other 50 million people and how do I find them? Where are they hiding? What are they doing and why haven't I come across more of them?"

These are the characteristics:

Support for government spending on education, community programs, and more ecologically sustainable furniture
A love of nature and profound concern about its destruction
A proclivity for exotic places and things
A need for authenticity and sustainablity

"Cultural creatives are consumers, but their purchases are guided by a host of interwoven and complex motivators. Rather than simply owning more and bigger, they want thoughtfully made products that quite likely, are smaller in scale and incorporate fine or exotic materials." - excerpt from artcle

Falling in Love

2008-09-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Fall is approaching. You can feel it in the air. The kids are heading back to school. Moms (and Dads) are rushing around. The leaves are falling- just ask my husband who curses them as they fall one after another onto his freshly mowed lawn. Woodpeckers are pecking (on my house!) The grass is turning...brown! Wait a minute...Don't get me wrong, I love the change of seasons- something we really did not have growing up in the south. The color of the leaves, the crispness in the air. Picking pumpkins and baking pies. Committing to the PTA. Over the years I have definitely fallen in love with change. Change is good- as long as you're consistent. Make sense? Well, there is change and then there is change! Let's face it who wants to turn their world upside down and make a drastic change? Few of us. But it happens or is thrust upon us. But, gradual change is nice. A change of paint color on the exterior of the house. A fresh new sofa in a beautiful persimmon velvet. A colorful addition to the same old same old room. That is what I mean by consistent change. It keeps it fresh but keeps it real and makes it yours. Fall in love! It's definitely time.

Making A Home Beautiful!

2008-05-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

I am asked frequently, what makes a home beautiful? Where do I start? How do I get that special look? My answer is much the same- you do! Every home has a heart. You have to start there. The individual is what makes a home unique and special. A home can tell a lot about a perosn's character, their values, their inspirations. It can talk about where you've been, what you like to do and what is important to you. These days, so many want the "sameness" that comes from cookie-cutter decorating and one-stop shopping. Are we afraid to reveal ourselves? Are we uncomfortable showing ourselves to our friends, colleagues, family? Sure, you can get some help from a designer. I would be out of business if I didn't beieve in that, but listen...I don't live in your home-you do! Live! Love! Explore! If you love collecting seashells, use them in a great way. If you have traveled to cities in Europe (or have always wanted to) get some great books on them. Don't be afraid because the little touches throughout your home tell us that we like you, that we want to get to know you and that we share the same ideas. Make your home beautiful just by being you.

2008-04-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here!

It's time to do some cleaning, so let's get busy...

Here's a list of to do's:

1) Get some great cleaning products, like those featured here by Caldrea. They make cleaning fun and make you look beautiful while doing it, too! I love the French feather duster.

2) Stock up on some fresh dish towels by Greenhorn Trading Co. They are simple and functional and come in red, blue and green stripes. Perfect for keeping glasses sparkling!

3) Put out fresh liquid soap in every bathroom or big cubes on a vintage dish to freshen up the kitchen counter. Try La Compagnie De Provence Fig! (My favorite)

4) Out with the fake and in with the fresh! Fresh flowers and plants are the way to go for Spring! I just bought some beautiful hydrangeas at Smith & Hawken.

5) Pick up some great candles...I love Brickhouse candles because they are all-natural and the scents are

fragrant without being overwhelming. Plus, they are hand poured in reusable glass containers.

6) Have new linen slipcovers made! Nothing freshens up like new crisp slipcovers by JMPaquet!

7) Open those windows, air out the house and fluff the dust out of those pillows!

8) Try adding some special lighting around the house in unexpected places, like the powder room or a walk-in closet!

9) Rearrange your closet and put away your winter coats and sweaters. Time for a new pair (or two) of Havianas...they're the best!

10) Spring is a great time to invite friends over for cocktails and enjoy all your hard work!

Have Fun and Happy Spring!!!

humanity

2008-02-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

please check out: www.hsus.org

I spent yesterday afternoon with my four year old son. We went to the park and ran errands, one of which was to the supermarket. Each item that I put in my basket, my son asked, "Is this from an animal?"

Now, we are not vegetarians. We do cook meat in our home as well as offer many choices as an alternate such as tofu, tempeh, etc. but we have never impacted our son's views. This, all on his own, is his choice. He does not want anyone, especially his parents to buy or eat meat and he refuses to eat it. He is upset by the fish that sits on ice, and the lobsters that slowly await their fate. He has a warm heart and can not understand why we would kill an animal for food.

While we can not all have the same convictions as a four-year-old, we can do something to make the lives better of those animals that are being raised for food. Do something by contacting the link above and going to the downed animal and food safety protection act. We can protect ourselves and the animals that keep us alive.

Faster, Faster...

2008-02-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

"Nowadays it's all about faster, faster. I love handmade things, objects where someone took the care and time to make them. There was love involved. We can't all sit down and carve tables or make shoes by hand, but we can appreciate those who do." -anonymous

T.R. Risk is one of those few who we can all learn a little something about life and humility and love. To be able to set out and do what you love and keep that inspiration burning despite all the difficulties and challenges is an achievement. I aspire to be more like him than anyone will ever know and I guess that is why I am so dedicated to the work and the belief in what we do. I look around and see so little fulfillment of the dreams we each have had and wonder why more of us are not pursuing our dreams, our loves, our passions. Life is here and now. Thre is so much beauty in the details of life....

2008-02-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

Everyone has to view these pictures of TR working at his shop....They are amazing!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassoni/sets/72157603842831233/

New Year's Resolutions...

2008-01-24T11:08:00.001-08:00

I am sitting here working on some design projects and I can not believe it is 2008. Wow. Time really goes by too quickly. It's a cliche, but for good reason. My advice? All those projects put on hold or put aside...get them going. I can't tell you how many clients have put off furnishing their house, a special room, a project and have let the years pass by for whatever reason. I say...Enjoy it now and live! Life is too short. Yes, there is always something new; another beautiful fabric you could have picked, but that's ok. As long as you are happy with what you've chosen and it works, do it! Design is all about living and having fun doing it. It's not a life or death committment. There are so many other things, and trust me, I do this every day. I know that time will not stand still and forever is as short as tomorrow. You have to live every day as best you can. Do the best you can and make the most of what you have to work with. Enjoy! And, let's make those ideas a reality!

Heartbreaker

2008-01-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

You have to see new works by T.R. They are incredible! "Heartbreaker" is my favorite. The colors are really beautiful and the texture is genius. Anyone who is interested should come by the store on a Saturday to meet him. He is usually here between 1-3, but you can always make an appointment.

Custom

2008-01-14T08:37:00.000-08:00

I am working on the details of the new website... so if anyone has input or suggestions, we welcome it. We really want to make the site as great as possible. There are so many details as each of our pieces is unique. So, if you are seeing something you love that is sold, just keep in mind that we will build it custom for you! It's worth the wait to have something truly original and hand made by TR!

New

2008-01-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is completely new to me. I am working on my new website right now www.originandash.com so everyone should visit! It should be up soon...hopefully tomorrow.