Inspiration and Color for [Experiment 3]

Presenting the inspiration and color for our next collection  EGYPTIAN CMYK !

Experiment 1, our first collection, was all about visual languages (braille, binary, circuitry).  Experiment 2 had a more mathematical spin (Fibonacci, fractals, origami). Next up Experiment 3 -  a hybrid of Egyptian symbolism and coding !  To be shown November 2011.

Our Manifesto

Inspired by recent adventures, we have coined  LOOMLAB's Manifesto   We believe it and we hope it makes you smile.

We are for… the beauty of individual style. 

 
We are for… playing with pigment.

 
We are for… DIY makers and creators.

 
We are for… spontaneity.

 
We are for… coffee and ice cream as major food groups.

We are for… staying hungry and staying foolish - (thank you Steve Jobs).

We are for… being tireless in pursuit of adventure.

We are for… the laws of simplicity (thank you John Maeda)

We are for… for daydreaming.

We are for… taking the road that has a dance party at the end of it.

We are for… making a better future by developing elements from the past - (thank you Goethe).

We are for… curling up with a good book on a stormy day.

We are for… digital tools and media that unleash creative potential.

We are for… empowering others towards self-sufficiency (Magdalene, Build A Nest, Reading Glass Project). 

We are for… the stories that your favorite accessories could tell.

We are for… flea market treasure hunts.

We are for… ideas worth spreading - (thanks TED).

We are for… wearing scarves in the summer.

We are for… solving riddles and deciphering codes.

We are for… library cards.

We are for… the art of craftsmanship – the perfect imperfections of the hand.

We are for… LOOMLAB scarves that bring delight and discovery.

"Amen!"

Enjoy the weekend!

Composting at LOOMLAB

I just moved studios in August.  This one has a space, albeit small, but still a space to garden.  The soil needs some love and enrichment... Great find on Craigslist - a homemade compost maker!

Moving Studios!

In the process of moving studios... this one even has a full-grown avocado tree in the back (yes!).  After I settle in and unpack, can't wait to show you the new collection!  Have a great summer and see you in the fall.  xo, Jane

LOOMLAB in SOMA

I'm highlighted in SOMA this month - just wanted to share! :) 

Concoctions [In the Kitchen]: Strawberry Shortcake

Growing up, summer always meant fresh strawberry shortcake at my grandmother's, usually eaten after a long day at the beach.   Now that summer is official upon us - what better time than to welcome the strawberry season and make some strawberry shortcake.

I prefer fresh dropped biscuits drizzled with strawberries and topped with fresh whipped cream (real cream, not the cool whip!)

- dropped biscuits I use Bisquick: (Will need 3 tablespoons butter (melted), 2/3 c milk, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 1/3 cups Bisquick.  Heat oven to 425 degrees F.  Mix all ingredients together until soft dough forms.  Drop by 6 heaping spoonfuls on un-greased baking sheet.  Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.)

- 1 basket of strawberries:  Slice strawberries into bite size pieces.  Sprinkle with 2-3 teaspoons of sugar.  I try to do this at least an hour before I serve the shortcake so the sugar has time to sweeten the strawberries.

- fresh whipped cream: Whip cream with electric mix until cream starts to form stiff peaks in bowl.  Optional: While whipping sprinkle confectioners sugar and/or a drop of vanilla to taste.  Start small and add small amounts.  I prefer it barely sweet.   The confectioners sugar/vanilla combo is called "Chantilly Cream".

Split warm shortcakes in half, fill with strawberries, and heap with mounds of whip cream.  Enjoy!

For those who like to experiment here are a few fun variations found that I am tempted to test:

- The Best Whipped Cream in the World Recipe

- The Great Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Experiment

- Strawberry Shortcake Snake

-Strawberry Shortcake (layered cake)