PfeiferBlog

Our Earth-Loving Tables Are Getting Some Attention

2012-01-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Our tables have been noticed lately by a few noteworthy earth-loving sources. The Russian Olive Stump Table is featured in the latest edition of Standard Magazine, an online publication, created by interior designer (and writer and style maven) Kelly LaPlante, who taught the design industry that "green is a standard, not a style."

Not be to outdone, our Rio Grande Table is featured in this month’s edition of Su Casa Magazine, an monthly print and online source dedicated to Southwestern building styles.
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Our Russian Olive Stump Table in Standard Magazine

Raw with burls and an eco-friendly non-toxic topcoat finish, each Russian Olive Stump Table is completely unique from the other and full of character. Russian Olive trees, non-native species introduced to New Mexico in the early 20th Century as an ornamental, are being removed in an effort to help restore the eco-system of the bosque (woodlands) along the banks of the Rio Grande River.

The Russian Olive has been crowding out native trees along with other non-native species like Salt Cedars and Siberian Elms, so upon their removal we have been snatching them up to make really cool, organic side tables.
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The Rio Grande Side Table in Su Casa Magazine

Locally harvested, eco-friendly and full of personality, the Rio Grande Side Table in sculpted Cottonwood is created from standing trees cleared from burn areas. Part of a rehabilitation effort, the trees were rescued and turned into ever-so-clever shaped side tables finished with a non-toxic topcoat finish.

New Arrivals for January 2012

2012-01-16T15:05:00.002-07:00

We have once again added some great new vintage and one-of-a-find pieces from our showroom to our website for all to see. Have a look below and let us know if you have any questions about these featured pieces.

Hand carving wood has a long tradition in Morocco and is most often found on screens and tables. Geometrics are also a common motif and emerge on this table ($349 + Free Delivery) not only on the patterns, but the octagonal shape. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind table here.

Our one-of-a-kind Bozo Tribe Masks ($325 - $349 + Free Delivery) are handmade in Mali. They are probably about 20 years old and were originally attached to a pole and carried by a dancer in a regatta, much like a large marionette. Find them here and here.

The Bozo are primarily fishermen and have a wonderful creation story. Neighbors of the Dogon who reside on the shores of the Niger River, the Bozo are the 'first twins' according the tradition and worship Faro the spirit of water. The ram, valued throughout this region, was sacrificed for the first time by God to redeem the errors committed by Mousso Koroni, the 'ancient little woman.' An era of disorder, violence and sterility was followed by a period of prosperity, order and peace.

Our Bamileke Tribe Masks ($235 each + Free Delivery) are handmade in Cameroon. They are carved from a solid piece of wood and depict a Monkey, which represents intelligence. The Bamileke believe that their kings possess supernatural powers allowing them to change into animals, most often elephants, lizards or buffalos. This crossing of the boundaries, which happens during special rituals, allows them to create a link between the human and spirit realm. Find them here and here.

Our Fair Trade Wolof Prayer Mat baskets ($75 + Free Delivery) are incredibly useful for storage and also look striking when hung on the wall. Wolof women in rural Senegal have been crafting coil style baskets for generations. While traditional baskets were crafted using a local grass called njodax bound with strips of reed, modern baskets are bound with strips of plastic recycled from old prayer mats. Choose from White or Turquoise.

Happy New Year! Recent Custom Projects At Pfeifer Studio

2012-01-02T11:07:00.001-07:00

The end of the year is always a rushed time at Pfeifer Studio. We have been busy with holiday shoppers in our retail studio and also turning out custom designs left and right. This is the best excuse we can come up with as to why we have not posted on our blog in 6 weeks (Yikes!)

We love our custom projects and are always happy when new requests for a one-of-a-kind-this-or-that come in. Below are a few of our favorite projects from the past few months. We hope that you like them as much as we do and we look forward to many more in 2012!

Packed and ready to ship! Our popular Abaidoo Stool Tables were recently created at a custom height (24") and in a custom wood (Pine) for a popular restaurant in Miami.

Our Leather Waste Bin with a leather whip stitch was commissioned by a luxury hotel in London. Ordered at 2 custom sizes, we created a metal liner for the interior which could be easily removed when it is time to empty the rubbish ;).
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And last but not least is our beautiful Eco-Friendly Stool Table (and a bad image which does not do it justice) at a custom size (22" diameter x 24" H) in a pure white finish for a client on the Upper West Side.

Custom is what we do best. Click here to see more of our work and to learn more about what it is like to do custom with us.

Join Us To Celebrate!

2011-11-15T16:41:00.001-07:00

It's our shop's Third Anniversary in the North Valley and we invite you to celebrate with us this Thursday, Nov 17th from 5 - 8 pm during the Flying Star Plaza's annual ELEGANT AUTUMN EVENING!

Enjoy Hot Tamales, Mexican Hot Chocolate and a bit of Birthday Cake. Listen to Live Music and have a festive time at the most elegant of evenings on Rio Grande.

Product Preview: Warm Throws For Chilly Nights

2011-11-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

We have been feeling a chill in the air here in New Mexico for the past week and our thoughts have turned to warm nights by the fire wrapped tight in a cuddly throw. So it is perfect timing to add four new styles to our website that will fit the bill. Order them online or stop by our showroom soon to see them in person.

Ox Wool Throw - 48 x 99 inches - $165.00 + Free Delivery

Himachal Wool Throw - 48 x 99 inches - $165.00 + Free Delivery

Our handsome Ox Wool Throw and Himachal Wool Throw, are handwoven in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The technique of combining a twill-weave base with a border of tapestry woven vegetable dyed wool is unique to the region. They are produced by local people working out of their homes using small handlooms. The purchase of these designs helps to support artisans working in traditional crafts in the place where they originated.

Mohair Wool Throw - 52 x 70 inches - $105.00 + Free Delivery!

Available in shades of pale gray and light blue, this unique, contemporary throw is super-soft and cuddly.

Silk and Linen Throw - 59 x 59 inches - $155.00 + Free Delivery

And last, but not least is this delightful throw in elegant shades of black and pale blue-gray linen woven with hand spun silk in warm-golden beige. This beautiful combination of fibers and colors combine to create an striking pattern of geometric shapes.

All are in stock in limited quantities come see us soon or give us a call (1-866-804-1909) if you have any questions.

Our Shop: A New Look For Fall

2011-10-27T14:38:00.000-06:00

A little paint, some heavy lifting, a whole lot of new stuff, and the shop has a new look for fall! Swing by soon to check it out.

Vintage Hand Carved Wood Block Prints from India

A Beautiful New Selection of Silk Kantha Stoles

Win A $150 Shopping Spree!

2011-10-15T11:13:00.000-06:00

Want to win a $150 shopping spree at Pfeifer Studio? Become a Pfeifer Pfan on Pfacebook! One winner will be chosen from our facebook fans in Oct, Nov and Dec. Stay tuned for the first winner to be announced on Halloween and don't forget to spread the word to your other facebook friends.

New In Store: Handmade Moroccan Fashion Accessories

2011-10-11T14:59:00.000-06:00

New in store today is a beautiful collection of handmade, fair trade fashion accessories designed by two sisters who wanted to make a difference in the developing world. One joined Peace Corps Morocco to help rural women develop business skills and the other traveled to Mali to research traditional weaving and metal-smithing techniques. Six years later their collection, Mushmina, was born.

We are delighted to have their designs at our shop. Swing by soon to check the out.

Pfeifer Studio on Vintage Indie

2011-09-26T20:59:00.002-06:00

We had a nice surprise today when we discovered that Pfeifer Studio was featured on Vintage Indie. For those of you who have not heard of it, Vintage Indie is a blog started out as a love for all things vintage, vintage inspired and antique related. Being a mother and an entrepreneur herself, founding editor Gabreial Wyatt has a passion to support independent small businesses owners, artists and designers.

It is her goal to give life to older things once disregarded and blend them with the world that we live in today. Pfeifer Studio couldn't agree more!

New In Store: Maasai Beaded Dog Collars

2011-09-08T08:44:00.000-06:00

New in Store are these beautiful, fun, colorful and 100% handmade dog collars ($45 - $79) created by Maasai people in Kenya. Saba loved them so much that she asked for one of her own. And she never asks for anything!

Not only are they beautiful, they are also fair trade…and that goes a long way. The beading of these collars (and coordinating bracelets - $25) generates income for over 200 Kenyans who otherwise might earn as little as $1,500 a year. Other than the operating costs of the people in the US who are helping to bring their craft to market (one part time employee, marketing and air freight), all of the money goes back to Kenya. Good in so many ways.

So swing by Pfeifer Studio, get your pooch some style and feel good about it.

Je suis d'Afrique

2011-09-04T09:08:00.004-06:00

It’s no secret that I’m a total fanatic of African objects. Their handmade masks and stools are my favorites, and I love sitting in a space surrounded by them pretending I am somewhere deep inside the Dark Continent. I’m so excited that we have discovered a few wonderful new African pieces to add to our collection. Most are vintage one-of-a-finds and our Hand Carved Ashanti Stool is a contemporary style, which is surely to become a favorite on the site for some time to come.

Our contemporary Ashanti Stool ($375.00 + Free Delivery) is hand carved by artisans from a single block of wood from the Cedrela tree. Like traditional stools, it has a crescent-shaped seat and flat base, but a simple central circle replaces the more typical Adinkra symbol in the middle.

Stools are spiritual and practical objects in the Ashanti culture of West Africa. They are understood to be the seat of the owner's soul and when not in use are leaned against a wall so that other souls passing by will not settle on it. Click here to learn more.

Our two new vintage Nupe Stools (above) are $279.00 + Free Delivery and $175.00 + Free Delivery, respectively. Most Nupe are Muslim and their art is therefore abstract, with only some stylized animals in relief on their doors and some pots. Their stools come in many forms yet are all carved from single blocks of wood. Amazingly, the grain of the wood runs horizontally, even across the legs. All share a richly carved top surface.

This vintage Punu mask ($175.00 + Free Delivery) from Gabon features many of the common characteristics from the region, including protruding lips. It is also painted in the traditional white with kaolin clay to represent the spirit of a dead ancestor. Click here to learn more about this One-Of-A-Kind piece now.

The Fang people used masks in their secret societies. Members of this male society wore the Ngil masks during the initiation of new members and the persecution of wrongdoers. Masqueraders, clad in raffia costumes and attended by helpers, would materialize in the village after dark, illuminated by flickering torchlight. Our vintage Fang mask ($279.00 + Free Delivery) is enormous at 50 inches long and is a one-of-a-kind piece. Click here to learn more about it.

Custom Project: Ginormous Leather Pillow

2011-08-27T07:12:00.005-06:00

Custom Crocodile Embossed Leather Pillow - 18 x 31 inches

We get a lot of requests for our leather pillows at custom sizes, but as far as ambitious dimensions go, this one takes the cake. Most often ordered at a mear 9 x 18 inches, we recently produced our Embossed Crocodile Leather Pillow at a whopping 18 x 31 inches for a client in California. They were the perfect size for his space and the result could not have been more biting.

Have a custom idea of your own? Drop us a note and we will be happy to collaborate.

2011-08-14T13:38:00.002-06:00

pineapple flowers cut-out dress - $45.00

men's nine flies tee - $35.00

New in store is a collection of groovy tees and dresses from North Carolina designers Jody Cedzidlo and Eric Haugen. They are soup-making, vegetable-growing, dog-walking nerds around 30 years of age. Jody is the designer, printer, and photographer behind the collection. Eric is the shirt-folding, box-carrying, moral-support-giving, car-driving, coffee-making, behind-the-scenes psychotherapist that keeps the gears turning every day. The unsung hero also teaches lots and lots of people to play guitar 5 days a week.

We are delighted to have their designs in our shop. Swing by soon to check them out!

Pfeifer Studio in Better Homes & Gardens Do It Yourself!

2011-08-06T15:26:00.004-06:00

Check out our Eco-Friendly Stool Tables in the Fall 2011 issue of Better Homes & Gardens Do It Yourself. We created the tables in a custom colors for them and we can do the same for you. Do it yourself, or better yet, let us do it for you.

2011-07-15T11:38:00.002-06:00

Our in-store-only Summer Sale begins tomorrow with a Sidewalk Sale Event in front of our shop in Albuquerque's North Valley. There will be some Great, Big, Wonderful DEALS to be had. Doors open at 10 AM. Get there early or regret it later.

Testify! Client Feedback

2011-06-21T15:28:00.005-06:00

We received some nice feedback from several clients lately and wanted to share it with you.

Cowhide Pillow - starting at $155.00 + Free Delivery

Sharon from Delray, Florida writes, "Thought I'd forward this picture of my daughter's couch with the cowhide pillows. She's thrilled and they look amazing! Thank you for all of your efforts. I'll be at Kate's tomorrow so I'll have a chance to see them in person. Have a peaceful weekend!"

Moroccan Leather Pouf - $259.00 + Free Delivery

Lauren from New York City seemed to be equally pleased with her Pfeifer purchase. She sent us a note after her shipment arrived, "I just wanted to let you know that I received the pouf and it looks great! Thank you so much for all your help."

We are happy when you are happy. Send use a message to tell us what you think of your Pfeifer goods. We would love to hear from you.

Custom Project: Basket Woven Leather Rug

2011-06-14T13:04:00.003-06:00

Custom Basket Woven Leather Rug

Another custom project under our belt and you need to know about it! The beautiful leather rug you see above was handwoven at our workshop in India for a client based in Chicago. These images are hot off the press, the rug was just finished last week and is on its way to the states as I write.

1 x 1 inch basket weave with brown topstitch detail

We are an excellent source for custom leather rugs: black, white, brown or blue, you name the color. We can weave it, emboss it and topstitch it, too. Click here to learn more about what custom design can do for you.

Custom Project: Hmong Textile Pillows

2011-05-31T13:31:00.006-06:00

Here's another great custom project that we are pleased to tell you about. A client came into our Albuquerque showroom on a mission...for pillows. With a little help, we created a collection of 6 original one-of-a-kind pillows from a vintage Hmong textile from Vietnam.

Each pillow has a unique pattern and the sizes were dictated by the dimensions of the textile itself. Throw on a linen back and throw in a feather-and-down insert and the Pfeifer look was complete.

Some of you may remember seeing the beautiful textile below from our showroom or in our One-Of-A-Finds category online. If you ever see anything on our website that you would like to have turned into something else, produced at a unique size or in a custom material. Look no further than Pfeifer Studio. We are the source for custom.

the original Hmong textile used to create the pillows

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

New In Store: Thai Cotton Clothing

2011-05-21T14:46:00.006-06:00

Much has been happening in our shop on the fashion front. We debuted a collection of clothing that is flying off the racks. We even have a new dressing room so you can check out the look before leaving the store. One of our best sellers is a collection of tops created from hand-dyed cotton by artisans in Thailand. Like most of the items we carry the prices are hot and each is individually handmade. The little number shown above is a cool $35.00. Not bad for a handmade garment. Swing by soon to see for yourself.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

African Finds Now Online

2011-04-28T13:26:00.003-06:00

We have just added a few new styles to our One-Of-A-Finds online, and as it may very well not surprise anyone who has been following us for a while, they are from Africa.

Vintage Mask From Gabon - $149.00 + Free Delivery

Our beautiful, hand-carved vintage masks from Gabon ($149 + Free Delivery) feature many of the common characteristics from the region, including arched eyebrows and a long and narrow shape. They are also painted in the traditional white with kaolin clay to represent the spirit of a dead ancestor. We have a few in stock and each is slightly different than the other. If you would like to see the actual mask that you will be receiving, please contact us at 1-866-804-1909.

our masks have the traditional white painted finish

Antique African Money - $85.00 + Free Delivery

Iron work had great value in African cultures. Beginning in the 18th century the availability of iron in sub-Saharan Africa increased and it eventually developed into a high end trading commodity. Objects created in iron are today known as African money and include such items as swords and bracelets. We currently have a few swords, each is slightly different than the other. As with the masks, please give us a call if you want to see the actual one you would be receiving, before placing your order online.

the iron swords were once attached to a wooded handle

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Strut Your Mutt At Our Pet Parade This Saturday!

2011-04-25T16:09:00.002-06:00

Everyone loves a pet parade with tons of pooches (and reportedly a pig) in wacky costumes. So dress up your mutt and head over to the plaza on Saturday for our first annual Pet Parade. And if you don't already have a pet to dress, you can leave with a new one from Animal Humane's mobile pet adoption. Join our facebook community and tell us what your pet will be wearing!

Posted by: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Bloks in Motion

2011-04-18T13:13:00.007-06:00

Have you seen the wonderful mini BloK paintings in our shop from artist Rebekah Potter? These original one-of-a-kind pieces of portable art are a steal at only $29 each and now they are featured in a mini motion picture of their very own!

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

New In Store: Organic Cotton T-shirts

2011-04-12T13:51:00.004-06:00

New in store today are these lovely t-shirts ($35.00) from Seattle designer Dinah Coops. They are created with 100% certified organic cotton in beautifully low-impact-fabric-dyed shades, and are hand silkscreened with water based inks. That makes them natural, modern, sustainable and only available in New Mexico at Pfeifer Studio.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Flower Power

2011-04-06T15:18:00.003-06:00

You may have heard the age-old saying April showers bring May flowers, but at Pfeifer Studio our collection of flower-inspired home and fashion accessories is already in bloom! There’s some serious flower power taking place in the shop, so there’s no need to wait until May to pick that fresh bouquet of flowers. At Pfeifer Studio you can bring the outdoors in with a vibrant assortment of one-of-a-kind flower printed Vintage Kantha Quilts from India.

Vintage Kantha Quilt - $235.00 + Free Delivery

Indigo Shibori Noren - $69.00 + Free Delivery

Welcome your guests the traditional way by greeting them with this Japanese Indigo Noren with flowers. Hanging in the entry or placed on the wall, this stunning work of art is the perfect way to celebrate spring.

Japanese Floral Tote - In Store Only - $55.00

- Pfeifer Studio is all about filling your home with beautiful things, but we also carry a fantastic collection of fashion accessories, online and in the shop, to keep you stylin’ out on the street. Check out these fabulous flower-inspired leather and textile finds to help you spring ahead, even on the rainiest of days.

Leather Ring and Cuff - $10.00 - $25.00 - In Store Only

Japanese Coin Purse - $15.00 - In Store Only

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

How Do You Say One-Of-A-Kind?

2011-03-24T20:00:00.015-06:00

Have you seen the latest arrivals to our limited editions and One-Of-A-Kinds? You should! Our new batch hits handmade, post-modern, vintage and Victorian all in one fell swoop.

Not so long ago you had to make a trip to our showroom in New Mexico to discover such finds, but now you can grab them through your screen from anywhere on the globe. But remember that these items are limited. Get them now or regret it later.

Appliqué Owl Pillow - Our handmade appliqué owl pillow was created in India by designer Neeru Kumar and features a feather and down insert and cotton back. $75.00 + Free Delivery

String Light - At first glance, the String Light looks industrial and exposed, with 10 variably sized light bulbs protruding from powder coated aluminum casings, dangling at random from a 60 inch cord. Plug in this dimmable light fixture and the String Light assumes a wholly new aura. The 9 white bulbs and single red bulb glow with a whimsical and refreshing energy. Illuminating a room has never been so interesting. 107 total watts. $99.00 + Free Delivery

Shaped Cat Pillow - $119.00 + Free Delivery

Shaped Cat and Owl Pillows - Our hand screened cat and owl cushions are inspired by Victorian shaped pillows. The graphics are based on the first mass produced images from 19th century illustrations. $119.00 + Free Delivery

Resin Hand Hooks - Cast from the designer's hand, our resin hand hooks are a catchall for keys, change, soap, or any small thing that needs a helpful hand. Includes wall mounting hardware. Choose from Grab, C'mere or Offer. $85.00 + Free Delivery

Reclaimed Huiplie Textile Bag - Blending modern design with rich tradition, this bag is crafted from a recycled traditional Mayan huipile (blouse). Laced with a colorful braided cotton cord and magnetic snap. Nice details with an inside zipper pocket and denim lining. $149.00 + Free Delivery

Vintage Kantha Quilt - $235.00 + Free Delivery

Vintage Kantha Quilt - $209.00 + Free Delivery

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Vintage Kantha Quilt - $235.00 + Free Delivery

Cotton Kantha Quilt - $159.00 + Free Delivery

Nakshi Kantha, which means embroidered quilt, is the prominent textile art form of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. Passed down through generations, it was popularized by a poem titled “Nakhi Kanthar Math” by Jasim Uddin. The poem, written about a woman named Rupa, captures her process of making an embroidered quilt and the story of her life reflected in the piece itself.

The running stitch, called kantha or gudri stitch, is the main stitch used to layout the designs and motifs before filling them in with cloth. In kanthas with a central motif, the center of the piece is first created then followed by corner designs and the remaining details.

Wanna know more about any of these great finds? Send an email or give us a call at 1-866-804-1909.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

New In Store: Resin Hand Hooks

2011-03-22T14:01:00.004-06:00

New in Store and now online in our recently launched limited edition and One-Of-A-Kinds category are these enticing hands created from cast resin. They are a catchall for keys, change, soap, or any small thing that needs a helpful hand. Includes wall mounting hardware. Choose from Grab, C'mere or Offer.

Stop by our shop to see them in person or click here to order them online.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Western Flair with a Modern Twist: Phoenix Home and Garden March 2011

2011-03-19T15:42:00.004-06:00

We love our woven cowhide pillows, and there’s nothing more exciting than knowing Phoenix Home and Garden does too! Still glowing from the recent mention of our Bolivian Saddle Blanket in Apartment Therapy, Pfeifer Studio’s woven cowhide pillow is mentioned on page 32 of Phoenix Home and Garden’s March 2011 issue.

Woven Cowhide Pillow in Brown - $159.00 + Free Delivery (as shown)

An original design available only through Pfeifer Studio, the Woven Cowhide Pillow is a Pfeifer Exclusive made at our workshop in India. Combining western flair with a modern twist, thin strips of cowhide are woven on a loom and backed in mid-brown leather. Each pillow comes with a medium-fill feather and down insert and is finished with a hidden zipper.

Woven Cowhide Pillow in Ecru - $159.00 + Free Delivery (as shown)

Aside from the standard sizes available on our website, like many of our other Pfeifer Exclusives, these pillows can be special ordered in your size and color choice. The Woven Cowhide Pillow also comes in off-white and black. And, as far as our woven pillows go, don’t forget to check out our Basket Woven Leather Pillows in black and chocolate from the fabulous Decorative Throw Pillow collection.

Woven Cowhide Pillow in Black - $215.00 + Free Delivery (as shown)

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Our New Catalog is Now Available

2011-03-17T11:21:00.002-06:00

The 2011 version our our catalog is available. Click here to flip through it now!

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Custom Project: Alison Occasional Table

2011-03-15T10:55:00.004-06:00

Our latest custom project was simple and fast. A client in Seattle requested our Alison Occasional Table at the unique size of 12 diameter x 24 H inches and two weeks later Voila! it was ready.

If you need a table at a specific dimension look no further than Pfeifer Studio. We work with global artisans to create custom designs for our clients. Many of the styles sold online can be ordered in custom sizes and materials. We also create original one-of-a-kind designs and custom styles that are produced in larger quantities. To learn more about our custom design capabilities contact us at 1-866-804-1909 to discuss your ideas.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Spring it Forward: Pfeifer Studio Hits the Fashion Runway

2011-03-06T17:34:00.003-07:00

A lover of all things great in design, I continue to be fascinated with the crossover between fashion and interiors. With New York Fashion Week behind us, and spring just around the corner, here are some of the latest resort and spring fashion collections and how they relate to the timeless and always up-to-date collection at Pfeifer Studio. Thank you style.com for the amazing photos.

FASHION TREND #1: Neutrals, Metallics, and Sheer Fabrics

One fashion trend you can expect to see this spring is a collection of neutrals that shimmer in the light with layered sheer fabrics. Dries Van Noten’s Let There Be Light collection draws inspiration from faded glamour, iridescent fabrics and neutral color palettes. (3.1) Phillip Lim offers up a puzzle piece collection of sorts with layered see-through organza and nude tulle shifts.

For Pfeifer’s response to fashion’s neutrals, metallics, and sheers, check out products from the Natural Glamour trend.

FASHION TREND #2: Prints, Prints, and Prints

I love colorful printed fabrics because they make me feel alive. This spring expect to see bright colors and daring combinations! The Moschino Cheap and Chic line is very fun and flirty, and who can resist the vintage-inspired prints from Chriz Benz. Finally, color and print could not exist without Betsey Johnson and her ability to make a true pattern statement.

So, how does Pfeifer Studio respond to color and print? With a few colorful distractions of our own. Peruse our collection of One-of-kinds to see more…

FASHION TREND #3: Black and White

A timeless trend that’s here to stay, black and white looks great on anyone. Chanel’s spring collection is black and white and rock all over...check out those leggings…and Moschino has some pretty cool black and white graphics from the 2011 resort collection.

Pfeifer’s response to black and white goes without saying. Check out the Touch of Black trend with exclusive Pfeifer tables and some pretty terrific Pfeifer Finds.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Pfeifer Studio on Apartment Therapy

2011-02-28T11:18:00.005-07:00

Our Bolivian Saddle Blankets are featured on Apartment Therapy today. Apparently they are also known as 'Frasadas'. Who knew?

They are sturdy, beautiful and woven by hand with sheep wool from local herds. Each rug has minor variations in size and shades and are available at 50 x 75 inches.

What's more, they are produced under fair trade conditions. The rugs are sourced for Pfeifer Studio by former Peace Corps volunteers, Kathryn Krubsack and Kristen Evans. In 2004 they arrived in at a small village in rural Bolivia and soon fell in love with the 50 families, 20 cows, several monkeys, and dozens and dozens of children, who accepted them into their lives as their own.

By supporting the art of Bolivia you are also strengthening and preserving some of the most fascinating indigenous cultures of the Americas, and you are directly benefiting the producers by buying from artisan cooperatives.

Additionally, a percentage of profits is donated to youth music education projects in Bolivia. We think that you will be enchanted with the unusual beauty of these hand woven saddle blankets. Each piece carries cultural and historical traditions found nowhere else and brings with it the story of its unusual journey to reach you.

We offer them in four colorways: Natural, Red, Purple, Brown

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

PFEIFER YOUR WAY: Go Custom with Pfeifer Studio

2011-02-24T12:43:00.002-07:00

It’s our favorite kind of situation…dogs get into trash, client gets upset at dogs, and client seeks solution to problem. That’s exactly what happened when someone from New York City called us recently with this very scenario. She needed a way to keep the dogs out and asked us to make a custom lid for one of our leather waste bins. The upcharge was only $19 and just two (2) weeks later, her dilemma was resolved.

If you are discovering Pfeifer Studio for the first time, you might not know about our custom design capabilities. Working with global artisans to create custom designs for our clients, many of our online products, like the Leather Waste Bin, can be ordered in custom sizes and materials. We also create original one-of-a-kind designs that can be produced in larger quantities.

Visit the custom design page to see some of our other projects. And, don’t forget to browse through our Pfeifer Blog to see other custom projects we’ve featured in the past.

Posted by: Angela (loftshoppe@juno.com)

GET THE LOOK: Lonny Magazine + Pfeifer Studio = Earth Vibe

2011-02-14T15:46:00.004-07:00

You’ve probably heard of the shelter magazine called Domino that sadly left the market a few years ago. But please don’t cry, because if you haven’t checked out Lonny Magazine, you’ll be so very glad you did. Oh, and don’t worry if you feel like a traitor, because not only is it online…for free!…but Michelle Adams, Editor in Chief, used to work for Domino. Lonny Magazine is all the rage, and we wanted to make sure you are in the know.

Michelle knew that a market existed for people seeking affordable decorating tips, ideas and products, so she teamed up with friend and professional photographer Patrick Cline to create Lonny. And, if you’re wondering how the Lonny name came to be…Lon (London) + NY (New York) = LONNY. Yep, that’s pretty clever!

When I first stumbled upon Lonny, the room I fell in love with that started my whole obsession was designed by Brad Ford in the Lonny Dec09/Jan10 issue, pages 150-151.

Do you notice anything interesting about it? We happen to think that it’s so very cool and Pfeiferesque with its mix of mid-century and natural elements, both in color and material.

If you are inspired by this room but don’t know how to get the look, I thought it would be fun to pull together some items from the Pfeifer Studio collection that would be right at home in this gorgeous New York apartment.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

This Just In! One-of-a-kind Finds Now Online at Pfeiferstudio.com

2011-02-03T11:03:00.004-07:00

If you can’t make it to Albuquerque, then how about Brazil, Africa, Japan, Vietnam, Haiti, or even the Middle East? Pfeifer Studio runs across some pretty cool one-of-a-kind finds in our travels, and for the first time ever we are making a few of them available on our website. Of course you’ll still want to stop into the studio, since there are always one-of-a-kinds you just can’t shop for online.

Our one-of-a-kind collection is filled with vintage finds, because we love their uniqueness of course. But, according to treehugger.com they are also eco-friendly and "can be the most green" of all and "require no additional resources to manufacture, are pre-off gassed and ease the load on the landfill."

For a little Tribal Influence, check out our seriously interesting vintage masks. Whether a single mask or a grouping on the wall, they are rich in history, full of spirit, and the artistic details in the colors and carvings will make anyone take a second look.

Vintage Bambara Tribe Mask - $199 + Free Delivery

Vintage Bozo Tribe Mask - $125 + Free Delivery

For the kid inside, this Japanese Paper Kite is from the famous Hayashi family, who has been making kites in Tokyo since the Edo period. Completely handmade, it features hand painted wood block printing, and the packaging it comes in is just as fabulous.

Japanese Paper Kite - $99 + Free Delivery

Crazy about textiles and color, I adore the Vintage Hmong Textiles in addition to this very preppy-in-spirit Hmong Textile Bag. Created from part of a garment worn by Hmong women in Vietnam, it features cross-stitching and indigo block printing.

Vintage Hmong Fabric Bag - $79 + Free Delivery

Though I am definitely pining for the contemporary Handmade Ceramic Vase by Artist Mike McDowell next to Pfeifer’s Oval Leather Stool Table, I am completely drawn to the Vintage Stool from Cameroon.

Handmade Ceramic Vase - $279 + Free Delivery

Oval Leather Stool Table - $259 + Free Delivery

The Cameroon stool, carved from a solid tree trunk is estimated to be from the mid-20th Century. There are areas where cracks in the wood have been patched with what appears to be clay, and other areas where nails are used for support. But what intrigues me most about the stool is how it reminds me of crossed legs and hands intertwined together as a symbol of communal strength.

Vintage Stool From Cameroon - $129.00 + Free Delivery

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Pfeifer Studio Au Natural

2011-01-31T14:15:00.003-07:00

As much as we love designing home furnishings at Pfeifer Studio, we also enjoy reading about them and fully admit to having favorite websites and blogs we turn to for inspiration.

As you may have already guessed, we love working with raw materials, and our designs have been known to bring out the beauty in a natural wood grain or highlight the raw simplicity of eco-friendly wool. Some of these great natural products have been catching the eye of our dedicated followers, and we are grateful to those who have featured some of our products on their sites.

Check out some of these great blogs that have featured styles from our collection over the past several months.

HAUTE NATURE

Haute Nature is great website with an online resource guide to catalog smart creative reuse ideas, art, design and cutting edge eco inventions. They recently featured three of our sustainable side tables: Rio Grande Side Table, Eco-Friendly Stool Table, and the Abaidoo Stool Table

SVPPLY, INC

Svpply is a growing website community of people discovering and keeping track of products they love. They recently featured our Modern Wood Waste Bin.

COCO+KELLEY

The style blog coco+kelley explores trends in fashion, decor and entertaining, highlighting pieces that exude classic design and glamour. Coco+kelley has been recognized by editors at Martha Stewart, House Beautiful and Sunset Magazine, and was honored to be listed on the London Times 50 Best Design Blogs.

Pfeifer Studio’s Recycled Copper Bowls were featured in their holiday Gift Guide for Mother Earth.

PRETTY LITTLE GREEN THINGS

A weblog dedicated to showing the beautiful side of green and the sustainable side of luxury, Pretty Little Green Things featured our Big Wool Knit Blanket in a recent bedding and blankets post.

Thank you to all of the online editors who have featured us and remember to keep an eye out for some more of our great products when you are perusing your favorite blogs.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

NEW PRODUCTS: Consoles and Tables and Throws, Oh My!

2011-01-26T11:59:00.005-07:00

There’s a thrill that comes with announcing the first collection of new products for 2011, and I’m excited to highlight a few of our New Arrivals. A mix between Pfeifer Exclusives and Pfeifer Pfinds, I have to say, I’m in love!

It’s a known fact that Pfeifer exclusive tables are so much fun, especially when it comes to their original shapes and the quality of craftsmanship that goes into each design. Pfeifer also places careful thought into each table’s functionality, and that makes them oh-so-practical too.

Narrow Console Table - $449.00 + Free Delivery

Perfect for any spot in your home, take a look at the Narrow Console that’s just 36 L x 14 W x 26.5 H. Brown-stained Margosa wood legs with Tobacco Brown leather embossed in a crocodile pattern, it’s a handsome mix of organic materials, contemporary design and ethnic inspiration.

Placitas Side Table - $389.00 + Free Delivery

The Placitas Side Table is masculine in stature, yet sleek and delicately curvaceous. Named after a rural village in the high desert foothills of New Mexico, this side table would look perfect in a modern or traditional setting. Made from solid Margosa wood, choose from Natural or Dark Walnut stain.

Leather Cocktail Table - $949.00

Minimally chic in style, yet nothing minimal about it, the design details of this Leather Cocktail Table truly sum up everything Pfeifer Studio is about. Gorgeous and contemporary with a wooden frame wrapped in pebble embossed rich chocolate brown leather, the top is created from 4 separate hand-cut panels with a topstitch outline for detail.

Boiled Wool Throw - $129.00 + Free Delivery

Also, this just in…Pfeifer has some great throws that will, no doubt, take away those winter blahs. The Boiled Wool Throw, in colorful shades of tomato red, pale turquoise and peach, features a traditional Kashmiri pattern guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Tie Dye Throw - $119.00 + Free Delivery

When we think of cold weather we tend to think of wool, but why not wrap yourself up in this 100% cotton Tie Dye Throw for a soft layer of added comfort. In muted shades of pale blue-grey, it’s hand woven and hand dyed by artisans in Burkina Faso West Africa.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

New Year, New Trends!

2011-01-15T16:56:00.014-07:00

Happy New Year Pfeifer Pfans! We can’t wait to bring you another fantastic year full of new products, interesting design perspectives, Pfeifer PFavorites, and of course the latest news as to what’s happening in the studio. In my opinion, there’s no better way to kick-start 2011 than with an introduction to some of the latest trends in color…so let’s go.

COLOR

Each year we anxiously await the release of new color palettes. Thrilled to see gray tones are still with us, I was surprised to see how many different palettes there are to choose from. From calm and soothing to spunky and spicy. Color creates a mood, and much of the inspiration for 2011 comes from our economy and the various states that people are in.
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Farrow & Ball: In the just released January/February Lonny issue (www.lonnymag.com), Sarah Cole, design director for Farrow & Ball, suggests a gray-based palette for a relaxed and timeless look that can be mixed with soft blues and rich purples for an informal approach. For a more urban and contemporary fee, she suggests throwing in rust and a toned-down hue of white for balance. Check out these Farrow & Ball-inspired rooms from styleathome.com.

Farrow & Ball: Plummet

Farrow & Ball: Charlotte-Locks

Benjamin Moore: Benjamin Moore’s Color Pulse forecast is all about Balance. BALANCE is an attribute that we all strive to live. Sorting the Real from the Surreal defines priorities that drive the direction for 2011, as it gives us a chance to dream of the future. From the rural influences to urban application, BALANCE is supported by 4 themes for COLOR PULSE 2011: The Farm, Order, Escape, and Tribe. Benjamin Moore's annual COLOR PULSE forecast has won awards and received international recognition. (benjaminmoore.com)

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Pfeifer Studio’s take on color for 2011

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The Pfeifer Studio collection is grounded in the earth with wood tones, charcoal gray’s and scrumptious browns. We mix it up with colorful accessories, blankets and throw pillows in leather, wool, and silk. Below I have created my 2011 inspiration room mixed with a bit of Pfeifer, some Anthropologie, and Tory Burch signature orange, because I would of course need to look fabulous in my new space.

1) Ceramic Dog Table Lamp by Barbara Cosgrove: Pfeifer Studio

2) Modern Pedestal End Table: Pfeifer Exclusive

3) Striped Kilim Sofa: Anthropologie

4) Silk and Leather Pillow: Pfeifer Studio

5) Regency Daybed: Anthropologie

6) Tory Burch: Spring 2011 signature orange collection

Posted by: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Haiti One Year Later

2011-01-12T08:49:00.003-07:00

Today is the one-year anniversary of Haiti’s devastating earthquake. An estimated three million people (30% of Haiti’s population) were affected by the quake with the Haitian government reporting 230,000 deaths, 300,000 injured and 1,000,000 made homeless.

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We recently debuted several items in our shop, such as these beautiful hand carved soapstone owl sculptures ($18.00 - $24.00), which are created by artisans in Haiti who are working under Fair Trade conditions.

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Our source for these handicrafts works through partnerships with the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation and Tides Foundation to support product design, market linkages, and access to North American buyers for Haitian artisans. The goal is to rebuild Haiti’s once vibrant craft export sector, further creating sustainable economic recovery and growth.

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With the support that you and others are providing, we are confident that the future of Haiti and Haitian artisans holds great promise.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Pfeifer Studio on Yahoo's Top Ten Green Gifts Under $30!

2010-12-20T18:53:00.004-07:00

Holiday Shopping is in full swing and it is still not too late to order for delivery by Dec 24th.

Still searching for a last minute gift? How about our Moroccan Tea Glasses? (on Sale for a limited time at $6.80 each + Free Ground Delivery)

Plus, they are featured on Yahoo's Top 10 Green Gifts Under $30, which will surely impress even the most discriminating eco-shopper!

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

New In Store: Felt Mobiles

2010-12-14T14:46:00.004-07:00

Hand Felted Mobiles - $349.00 each - In Store Only

These beautiful hand felted mobiles are one of the many new arrivals gracing our shop this month. They were designed by artisans based on New England who “spent their childhoods dreaming away the days and filling them with images of exotic, faraway places, animals, plants and fanciful folk art.”

They joined creative forces with artisans in Nepal who bring their designs to life. We love their ephemeral quality and think that they would make an excellent holiday gift.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

We expanded our shop at Betty's Bath and Day Spa

2010-11-23T13:36:00.004-07:00

We expanded our shop at Betty's Bath and Day Spa in the North Valley just in time for the holidays. Betty's, Albuquerque’s only soak, relaxation and wellness spa, is now stocked with even more great Pfeifer loot! Be sure to arrive for your next treatment a little earlier to have time to check it all out.

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Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Pics From Our Shop Party

2010-11-19T10:17:00.007-07:00

The party to celebrate our shop's second anniversary in the North Valley was a blast! There was great food (tamales), beautiful dancing (belly), great music (live Jazz), great deals (one-night-only) and wonderful guests! Thanks to all of you that came out to celebrate.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Our Shop's Second Anniversary in the North Valley!

2010-11-17T13:29:00.003-07:00

Join us to celebrate the second anniversary of our shop in the North Valley during the Flying Star Plaza's annual Elegant Autumn Evening. Tomorrow, Thursday, November 18th from 5-8pm.

Enjoy tamales and hot cider while you preview our holiday collection to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. All holiday season long, we are donating a percentage of sales to BBBS of Central New Mexico. Inspiration comes through the little things we do each day. In the life of a child those little things mean a better future; a different outlook on life. Help us to 'Inspire a child to dream.'

And we are excited to announce that it's official. Belly dancers at 6:30 and 7:00 pm. Don't miss the show, don't miss the party.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

New in Store: Leather Cuffs

2010-11-10T15:23:00.002-07:00

Tons of cool stuff is streaming into the shop these days. We are only one week and one day away from our shop's Second Anniversary Party in the North Valley! Save the date and stay tuned for more info. In the meantime, check out these supa-studded leather cuffs. They'll make a great gift for that supa-stud in your life. Starting at only 20 bucks these are another in store exclusive. Swing by the shop soon to see them.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

You should know about Freunde von Freunden

2010-11-09T13:36:00.010-07:00

“There are people who know at the age of four years that they want to be artists and paint like crazy. But many artists have simply decided at some point in their life: now I am [an] artist – and then they have become it. So it was with me…”

- Norbert Bisky

http://freundevonfreunden.com/

There is a certain fascination with artists. We wonder how they create, where they create, where their inspiration comes from, where they live, and what their lives are like. Whether a musician, composer, DJ, fashion designer, graphic designer, interior designer, photographer, make-up artist, furniture designer, illustrator, architect, chef, painter, creative thinker, or creative entrepreneur… by nature, artists are unique.

From Sweden to Columbus, Spain to Berlin, New York to London, the lives of artists like Norbert Bisky (above quote) are captured in a website that everyone is talking about lately called Freunde von Freunden (www.freundevonfreunden.com). A website that offers a close-up look into the lives of a creator through photos, background information, and artist interviews, it portrays selected people in their immediate living environment, whether at home, studio, apartment or in their neighborhood.

Because it takes a certain mindset to create, one’s surroundings can either stimulate or inhibit their creativity. Freunde von Freunden features amazing photos of spaces where certain artists live and make their art. A follower of great architecture and interiors, I quickly found myself lost in beautiful European apartments with old world charm and parquet floors to die for.

No surprise that artists tend to be lovers of beautiful things, you’ll see inspiration in the form of distinctive collections of art objects and musical instruments, fashion, love for family and friends, natural lighting, and uncluttered rooms. You’ll also quickly notice that no artist exists without a great collection of books.

If you haven’t had the chance to check out Freunde von Freunden, it’s a must! Your curiosity will take you on a journey of creative discovery, a trip around the world to beautiful spaces, and you can also read more about artists like Norbert Bisky and the actual date in time that he claimed to become an artist. Come on, you know you just have to find out.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Embracing Autumn Pfeifer Style

2010-11-05T07:20:00.007-06:00

It was a little bit darker than usual this morning, so I turned on my Hammered Silver Table Lamp that sits on the Chocolate Walnut Cube Table next to my bed. I stepped onto my oh-so-soft Wool Felt Rug and wrapped myself up in my Big Wool Knit Blanket and headed downstairs. Excited to spend some time transitioning my home from summer to autumn today, I grabbed a cup of coffee, picked up my laptop and headed to the dining room table where all my creative endeavors take place. Logging into pfeiferstudio.com, I prepare myself for a most unique online shopping trip around the globe.

Pfeifer Studio Shopping List:
- Russian Olive Stump Table
- Solid Wood Cache Box
- Orlando Wool Throw
- Kantha Quilt
- Goat Hide Footstool
- Sheepskin Pillows

Since the time we spend outside is much more limited during the cold season, I thought it would be a nice touch to bring the outdoors in. First stop, Pfeifer’s home page where I spot the Russian Olive Stump Table I can’t live without. Raw with burls and an eco-friendly non-toxic topcoat finish, each Russian Olive Stump Table is completely unique from the other and full of character. This will be a perfect side table in the sunroom where we face our wooded back yard.

Russian Olive Stump Table - $379.00 + Free Delivery

Next stop, “New Arrivals” where I spot the Solid Wood Cache Box. An organic storage box created from a solid slice of teak wood, the lid twists off to reveal a hidden storage space within. I love this for our music room, where I’ll trade out my Chinese red wedding bowl for the Cache Box to keep our keys, guitar picks, and miscellaneous change in.

Solid Wood Cache Box - $39.00 + Free Delivery

OK, now for some color. Though autumn brings shorter days and cooler weather, it offers beautiful colored trees and crisp sunny days…and great opportunity for fabulous wool throws. Clicking on the “Blankets and Throws” category, I am immediately drawn to the Orlando Wool Throw, a luxurious wool throw in red, burgundy and gold with 5 inch fringe, woven in New Zealand from natural 'Stansborough Grey' wool. This will definitely join the Russian Olive Stump Table in the sunroom. Remembering a blog posting about these one-of-a-kind kantha quilts from India that just arrived into the shop, I call Customer Support at 1-866-804-1909 to inquire about purchasing a quilt. AJ, the owner, offers to email me pictures of various kanthas from the shop…oh I can’t wait!

Vintage Kantha Quilt - $225.00 One-of-a-kind

Orlando Wool Throw - $259.00 + Free Delivery

Last stop, I visit “PFEIFER TRENDS” and the “Animal Instinct” category. I love mixing fashion trends with home, and no fall transition could be complete without something animal-related. So, I choose two things that are a must for my home, the ever-so-popular Goat Hide Footstool, perfect for the music room sitting area, and a pair of Sheepskin Pillows, one in jet black and the other in chestnut brown to throw on the entryway settee.

Sheepskin Pillows - $89.00 + Free Delivery

With just a couple of clicks my order is on its way to Pfeifer Studio. With free shipping, I’m so excited for my goods to arrive. Transitioning from summer to autumn is going to be a breeze, and I can’t believe I made it from Chicago, to India, to New Zealand, New Mexico, and back home again from the comfort of my dining room table with a steamy cup of coffee.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@juno.com)

Product Preview: Extra, Extra Read All About It!

2010-11-01T14:48:00.003-06:00

Newsworthy endeavors to clean up our earth are all around us, and at Pfeifer Studio we continue to seek out opportunities and products that help make our planet a better place. Big into the whole repurposing and recycling movement, our latest product discovery includes an entire product line that’s handmade from recycled and laminated newspaper. Adding to our extensive collection of unique waste bins, we couldn’t resist this newspaper wastebasket sewn and laminated with a durable water resistant finish built for everyday use. Adding a decorative touch to the office or bath, it makes for a very cool paper bin and serves as an important reminder to keep our recycling efforts going.

Recycled Newpaper Waste Bin - 10.5 x 10. 5 x 12.5 H inches - $65 + Free Delivery

While we’re on the subject, here are some interesting paper facts you might not know:

The history of paper dates back almost 2,000 years to when inventors in China first crafted cloth sheets to record their drawings and writings. Before then, people communicated through pictures and symbols etched on stone, bones, cave walls, or clay tablets. Today, paper is made from trees mostly grown on working forests and from recovered paper. Recycling has always been a part of papermaking. When you recycle your used paper, paper mills will use it to make new newspapers, notebook paper, paper grocery bags, corrugated boxes, envelopes, magazines, cartons, and other paper products. Besides using recovered paper and trees to make paper, paper mills may also use wood chips and sawdust left over from lumber operations (whose products are used to make houses, furniture, and other things). Today, more than 36 percent of the fiber used to make new paper products in the United States comes from recycled sources.

And, according to the American Forest & Paper Association...

- Last year a record-high of 63.4% of paper used in the U.S. was recovered for recycling.

- Last year the amount of paper recovered for recycling averaged 325 pounds for each man, woman, and child in the United States.

There are many great efforts happening to make our planet a better place. At Pfeifer Studio we have an ever-growing eco-friendly product line featuring modern designs that are 100% natural, finished with non-toxic earth-friendly products or created from reclaimed wood and materials. We invite you to check out our latest additions, as well as some of our other super interesting waste bins that could also be used for recycling paper.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

New In Store: Punu Mask

2010-10-28T17:26:00.007-06:00

One of my favorite types of African Masks come from the Punu people who reside along the upper Ngoumie River in Gabon. The Punu are well known throughout Central Africa partly because the women are thought to be very beautiful. Traditionally, only Punu men were allowed to carve tribal masks and then only of Punu women. The masks that portray Punu women are so well liked that they can be found on currency that belongs to several Central African countries.

Punu Mask From Gabon

The beautiful mask that we have just found exhibits all the features of the classic Punu style. She has the traditional high-domed hairstyle, diamond-shaped scarification marks on her forehead and eyes that display ‘Oriental’ characteristics. Her other common features are a pointed nose, protruding lips, arched eyebrows, narrow eyes and a closed mouth.

The elaborate Punu hairstyle, a coiffure with two side braids, suggest that the woman is wealthy as her hair has not been flattened by the need to carry goods. Our Punu mask is also painted white with kaolin clay to represent the spirit of a dead ancestor.

Scaring On The Forehead

Masks of this type were used to entertain audiences during festivals or celebrations. On rare occasions the masks are used during a ritual.

We are not sure of the exact age. Truly antique African masks of this style can easily sell for over $1000. We estimate ours to have been made within the past 30 years and have it priced at a very accessible $109. Stop by the shop to have a look for yourself or give us a call to learn more about it at 866-804-1909.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Rebekah Potter and Her Little BloKs Too!

2010-10-21T11:53:00.005-06:00

Give her an idea and she’ll paint it. She can sew it, build it, display it, promote it, and she’s even-so-good she can sell it. Famous artist, world-traveler, ultra-creative thinker, and carpenter (did I mention she can use power tools…yes!), she’s a social media maven, recipient of numerous grants and awards, well-published, and she’s even referred to herself as a linchpin. On board at Pfeifer Studio, we are excited to welcome our newest addition to the Pfeifer family, Rebekah Potter…and her little bloKs too!

Having just moved from New York City to Albuquerque, Rebekah’s wooden bloKs (you can learn more about them at bloks.squarespace.com), are now also available at Pfeifer Studio and have been featured in Time Out New York, Elle Japon, Cool Mom Picks parenting blog, The Jackson Free Press, Planet Weekly and Skirt! magazine.

Although her bloKs are typically only 3.5 x 5 inches, each one is known to make a statement. Combing a word and object, her art sometimes represents the obvious, makes a joke, or is there just to baffle. Sanded and hand painted in acrylic and ready to hang, her bloKs have been purchased by directors, photographers, incredible mothers, creative daughters, hip sons, adventurous librarians, and even Penguin Books and Delta Magazine. A great gift, especially for the person who has everything, she even makes custom commissions upon request.

Rebekah has lived many lives aside from being an artist, and has also lived all over the US and Japan. From production coordinator, office manager, yoga instructor, waitress, sales assistant, entrepreneur, marketing professional, creative director, foreign language instructor, retailer, department manager, curator, and proprietor.

Handpainted BloKs - $39.00 In Store Only

We invite you to stop in and say hello to Rebekah (she's here every Friday and Sunday + many days in between) and check out her ultra-seriously cool art bloKs. Though they may be small, they make a great impact…and we’re sure Rebekah will too!

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

New In Store: Shadow Puppets From India

2010-10-18T14:19:00.003-06:00

Come see our hand picked collection of colorfully painted vellum shadow puppets ($29 In Store Only) perfect for adorning any door or wall. These unique puppets are not only great conversation pieces but sure to add good fortune to your abode.

Shadow puppets are one of the oldest forms of art in India, which can be traced back to such ancient origins as the Chitra Katha (scroll paintings) of south India and to Phad (panel painting) of Rajasthan. The figures originally found in ancient paintings evolved into moving puppets that were used to comment on diverse topics of religion, literature and philosophy in their shadowy theaters.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Kanthas: Just into the shop!

2010-10-12T13:28:00.008-06:00

There’s a story behind every work of art, and behind every work of art is a creator with a story to tell. That creator’s story, whether happy or sad, every so often inspires yet another work of art, and as a result an entire movement comes to be.

Silk Kantha Stoles - $75 each - In Store Only

Spreading the embroidered quilt
She works the livelong night,
As if the quilt her poet were
Of her bereaved plight.
Many a joy and many a sorrow
Is written in breast;
The story of Rupa's life is there,
Line by line expressed.

- Jasim Uddin, from "Nakhi Kanthar Math"

One-of-a-kind Kantha Quilts Hanging in Our Showroom

JUST INTO THE SHOP, we have a collection of these stunning kanthas in the form of stoles and quilts that you have to stop in and see. Finely embroidered motifs, patterns, and spectacular color combinations sewn together from remnants of fine garments, the art of kantha is a great example of the extreme patience, detailed craftsmanship and resourcefulness of Indian village women.

Detail Of A Quilt Showing Linear Handstitching

Traditionally Kantha wraps, also known as enchanted wraps, were immersed in ritual and social customs and produced for the family. In the past they were crafted during leisure time or during the lazy days of rainy season and could take up to months or even years to finish. Initially made from sarees, where both the cloth and thread were repurposed, early kanthas had a white ground reinforced with red, blue and black embroidery; later yellow, green, pink and other colors were added.

Vintage Kantha Throw Quilt - $225 - In Store Exclusive

The running stitch, called kantha or gudri stitch, is the main stitch used to layout the designs and motifs before filling them in with cloth. In kanthas with a central motif, the center of the piece is first created then followed by corner designs and the remaining details. Swing by the showroom to preview our collection or call us at 1-866-804-1909 if you want to learn more about them.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Su Casa Magazine Feature: Traditional New Mexico with a Modern Touch

2010-10-06T11:25:00.006-06:00

Su Casa Magazine

Fresh ideas, creative inspiration, and new endeavors continue to keep Pfeifer Studio in the public eye, and we recently caught the attention of local publisher Su Casa Magazine who featured our shop in their current Life Style section. Addressing Pfeifer’s blend of traditional world handicrafts with a contemporary aesthetic, they also mentioned our latest press-worthy endeavor, a collection of tables made from fire-damaged wood removed from the nearby Rio Grande bosque, with a portion of proceeds donated to Tree New Mexico.

Pfeifer Studio in Su Casa Magazine

Located in the heart of adobe land, yet originating in New York City, it’s no surprise that Pfeifer Studio is influenced by traditional adobe with a modern twist. One trend true to Pfeifer Studio is New Mexico Modern, which encompasses a collection of Pfeifer Finds and original furniture designs inspired by the rich texture of adobe contrasting against the rough surface of sun dried woods. With the influence of Spain ever present, one can’t help but notice how artist from the east brings a modern perspective to a land steeped in history.

When we typically think of adobe, often the first thing that comes to mind is a building made of clay walls. But, traditional adobe architecture encompasses so much more. Texture plays a big part of an adobe abode, especially when considering the wood supports that hold up the roof structure. Vigas, also known as exposed ceiling beams made from logs, cannot be overlooked because of their strength, but also the characteristics of their aged wood.

Wood vigas ready to be laid in adobe walls

You may have noticed Pfeifer Studio offers a significant collection of tables carved out of harvested wood, and it’s because we have such a great appreciation for its natural beauty and the drying and cracking process that happens over time. Putting somewhat of a modern spin on much of what we do, you’ll notice our Eco-Friendly Stool Tables (featured in Apartment Therapy’s ReNest) made from the simplicity of a locally-harvested Pine log, are painted with a brilliant splash of milk paint to make them appropriate for any contemporary setting. Our Pine Cube Tables, a more “cubist” approach to a typical round log are made in the USA from timber harvested in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. Featuring a textured surface created by hand using an adz tool to shape a pattern on the wood, these tables make for interesting conversation and a functional piece of furniture.

Our Eco-Friendly Stool Table Created from Vigas

With additional tables consistently in the making, we invite you to keep checking the Pfeifer Studio collection as it continues to grow…not just on our site, but also in the news!

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

New In Store: Vintage Stools from Cameroon

2010-10-05T14:23:00.005-06:00

These handcrafted vintage stools from Cameroon just landed in our showroom hot off an African trader's ship...well, the back of an African trader's van to be exact. They are both from Cameroon and have a bit of age on them. The larger style (13 diameter x 14 H inches - $199) appears to be at least 50 years old and has some interesting sections where the cracks were repaired with what looks like clay. We have not seen that before.

The smaller style ($59) measures in at an adorable 7.5 diameter x 8 H inches and is the perfect size to use as a little platform. Like the Bamileke Stool Table from our collection, they are carved from solid trunks of wood.

They are one-of-a-kind items and available only in our showroom. Stop by soon to see them for yourself or call us at 1-866-804-1909 if you are farther away and want to learn more.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Pfeifer Studio on Honestly . . . WTF?!

2010-09-30T11:50:00.004-06:00

(left photo via Rickshaw Design, Elephant Quilt $135)

Our Handmade Elephant Quilt is featured today on Honestly WTF (best-blog-name-ever!) It's a daily dose of fashion discoveries and inspirations, contributed by a stylist and a designer who both see the world through rose-colored shades. Check out the post here and check out the quilt here.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

New in Store: Carved Stone Skulls

2010-09-28T15:42:00.005-06:00

As I often say in the shop, anything with a skull sells. We have skull pillows, scarves, necklaces, you name it, and they all fly out the door. As we get ready to enter into October and ultimately El Dia de los Muertos, which is a big thing out here in New Mexico, we are going to feature some cool skull items from the shop.

Carved Stone Skulls - 6 x 4 x 4 H inches - $115 In Store

Today we are starting off with these vintage carved stone skulls from South America. Similar carved skulls have been found in many ancient cultures including Tibet, Mongolia, and Meso-America. Little is known about these ancient peoples and their interaction with the skulls. Why did they create them? What were they used for? What significance did they hold for these people spiritually and or culturally?

Human skulls and skull imagery were prominent in Aztec art in Mexico when the Spanish first arrived. Stone skulls were also carved by the Mixtec and the Mayans, and a human skull covered with turquoise and lignite mosaic from ancient Mexico is displayed at The British Museum.

They were carved in relief in basalt or limestone as architectural elements, occasionally were covered with stucco, and were originally probably all painted. They were usually attached to walls or altars, or depicted in bas reliefs of deities as ornaments worn on belts.

Our carved skulls come from this same tradition and were probably made in Brazil during the last few decades of the 20th Century. Stop by the shop to see them today or give us a call at 1-866-804-1909 to learn more about them.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

The Alternative Consumer

2010-09-25T10:55:00.004-06:00

We want to tell you about a great blog that you should know about, especially if you love to shop and care about the planet.

The Alternative Consumer provides product reviews, eco news and green info to the next wave of smart consumers. They bring more green into the world every day, inspire others to do the same, and have fun doing it. Their hope is that one day, all products and services will be created in a sustainable, eco- and body-friendly manner.

Our brand-new new earth-friendly tables were just featured by them! Pfeifer Studio is donating a portion from the sale of each table to environmental non-profit Tree New Mexico. Click here or here to see them now!

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

The September Issue: Pfeifer Studio Right Off the Runway

2010-09-22T15:52:00.009-06:00

The anticipation and excitement that comes with waiting for the September issue of Vogue to be released is a big deal in my house. Now that I’ve had ample time to comb through all 726 pages, I’m not really sure how I feel about returning to the 80’s with the re-release of leg warmers and big shoulder pads. I do, however, find myself drawn to many of this season’s fabrics and textures. One thing I look forward to every year is comparing notes with my close friend and fashion muse, Michele Cernosia, who is a talented New York accessories designer with some fabulous jewelry at Pfeifer Studio BTW. We both came to the consensus that we gained great inspiration from the stunning ads this year, loving the layering effect, various black capes and military coats, furry vests, long cable-knit sweaters, and over-the-knee boots.

Paying tribute to Fashion Week, and in honor of my love for great design, I thought it would be fun to highlight some of this season’s fashion favorites as they relate to the Pfeifer Studio collection…after all, design in fashion and fashion for the home really do go hand-in-hand.

WOOL SWEATERS AND VESTS

Though I’m not a fan of cold weather, it is a great time to wrap up in wool sweaters and soft throws. Pfeifer Studio carries a great collection of wool throws, and we are also the exclusive online rep in the United States for Stansborough wools.

Fluffy Wool Vest by Andrew Marc & Our Golden Snow Blanket

Shoes and Accessories

Shoes and accessories are making a huge impact this season, and these laser cut wool felt shoes remind me of Pfeifer’s recent product feature on Feisty Elle, a beautiful collection of felt jewelry available in our showroom by California native Leslie Yang.

Laser Cut Wool Pumps & Fiesty Elle Felt Earrings

ANIMAL INSTINCTS

Animal prints are still going strong, and not only are fashion designers all about oversized animal print handbags, but Pfeifer Studio continues to celebrate the Animal Instincts trend with crocodile embossed leather goods and a great collection of hide pillows and hide covered stools.

Our Crocodile Embossed Cowhide Pillow & Goat Hide Footstool

I love these Jimmy Choo and CÉLINE handbags!

Boots

OK, though I probably wouldn’t have the courage to wear these low boots by Chanel, you’ve probably seen them featured lately in all your favorite fashion mags. When I saw these again, I was immediately reminded of Pfeifer Studio’s Mongolian Lamb pillows in black and chocolate brown.

Chanel Boots & Pfeifer Pillows

The next time you shop your closet for some of this season’s latest fashion finds, don’t forget to take a look around and see if your pad is also up to par. Fashion and design really do play off each other, and Pfeifer Studio is completely styling this fall with items that are exclusive, scrumptious, and no doubt off-the runway.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Pfeifer Studio Felt at the W Boston Residences

2010-09-13T14:20:00.007-06:00

At Pfeifer Studio we love our Greys…our Stansborough Greys that is. We also love the fabulous designers we get to work with, and we recently received a pleasant surprise from Planeta Basque, an award-winning full-service Architectural Interiors and Interior Design Firm out of Boston who frequently shops Pfeifer Studio.

Planeta Basque's Model for the W Boston Residences (Felt Cushions in Front)

Nationally recognized for their excellence and creativity, in addition to being featured in magazines like Interior Design and Design New England, we were excited to receive a photo of a stunning one bedroom model unit they designed for the W Boston Residences. Aside from the seriously gorgeous neutral color palette, we couldn’t help but notice the completely scrumptious gray floor cushions made from Stansborough wool felt purchased through Pfeifer Studio.

In case you didn’t already know, Pfeifer Studio is the exclusive online retailer of Stansborough’s wool fashion and home accessories collection. Stansborough, who weaves the rarest natural fibers in the world, is based out of a clean green 3000 acre farm nestled in New Zealand’s Waipara Valley. With products that are 100% environmentally safe and use only natural colors and biodegradable over dyes, there are no harmful acids used in the coloring process.

Designs superior to more common wools, the rare breed of sheep contributing to this effort are known as Stansborough Greys. With other 10 years of selective breeding to produce the silky and lustrous fiber, the flock is now over 1000 strong and still the only one of its kind in the world.

Stanborough Grey Sheep On The Farm in New Zealand

Stansborough's wool felts are individually made by hand, creating subtle variations that make each piece completely unique. To make the felt, wool fiber is laid to pattern on a felting table and covered with a layer of fine netting. Hot and cold soapy water is poured over the wool while a bamboo blind is used to roll and knead the wool into felt. The felt is then gently removed from the bamboo, carefully rinsed, spun, pulled into shape and dried flat.

Our Wool Felt Rug From Stansborough

In reference to our earlier mention of the seriously neutral color palette used in Planeta Basque’s room, we are glad to see last year’s emphasis on gray is still going strong. Our own personal liking of cool gray tones balanced with dark browns, you’ll see this referenced throughout the Pfeifer collection. And, with fall right around the corner, you’ll definitely want to check out more of our gray wool collection and especially our Wool Felt Rug and Wool Felt Mat created exclusively by Stansborough.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

“The design concepts for the "inspired concepts" collection of model residences at The W Boston Residences, including all loose furnishings and certain fixtures and finishes, were entirely conceived by the participating designers. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., W Hotels and their affiliates were not involved in developing the design concepts or selecting such furnishings, fixtures and finishes for the unit and make no representations that they are consistent with the image, quality, design standards and expectations of the W Brand. W Boston is a SW Boston Hotel Venture LLC project. The W Boston Residences are not owned, developed or sold by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. or its affiliates. SW Boston Hotel Venture LLC uses the W® trademarks and trade names under a license from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy, nor is any offer or solicitation made where prohibited by law. The statements set forth herein are summary in nature and should not be relied upon. A prospective purchaser should refer to the entire set of documents provided by SW Boston Hotel Venture LLC and should seek competent legal advice in connection therewith. Equal housing opportunity.”

The Giving Tree

2010-09-07T13:56:00.006-06:00

You may have heard of a book called The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. A story about the relationship between a boy and a most generous tree that provides all it can to the boy until only a stump remains. Even though it’s just a stump, the boy (an old man now) finds a need for the tree as it lovingly provides the perfect resting place for the old man’s weary legs.

Our New Earth-Friendly Tables

In the spirit of giving and in honor of the cottonwood and olive tree, Pfeifer Studio will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of our two (2) new exclusive table designs to Tree New Mexico. A non-profit group in New Mexico dedicated to ensuring sustainable forests in urban and rural communities, it is one of the most successful urban and rural tree planting efforts in the nation.

Rio Grande Side Table - $449.00 + Free Delivery

Local, eco-friendly and full of personality, we are excited to debut our Rio Grande and Olive Stump Side Tables. Our Rio Grande Side Table comes from standing Cottonwood trees cleared from a burn area in the bosque (woodlands) along the Rio Grande River in New Mexico. Part of an effort to rehabilitate the area, we rescued the trees and turned them into ever-so-clever shaped side tables finished with a non-toxic topcoat finish.

Cottonwood Trees Being Fallen In The NM Bosque For Our Tables

Finishing The Rio Grande Side Table

Olivewood Stump Table - $329.00 + Free Delivery

Raw with burls and an eco-friendly non-toxic topcoat finish, each one of our Olivewood Stump Side Tables is completely unique from the other and full of character. Olive trees, non-native species introduced to New Mexico in the early 20th Century as an ornamental, are being removed in an effort to help restore the eco-system. The olive tree has been crowding out native trees along with other non-native species like Salt Cedars and Chinese Elms, so upon their removal we have been snatching them up to make really cool side tables.

Cutting Olivewood Logs On Site

In reference to The Giving Tree, we are ever so grateful for the versatility trees have to offer. An entire trunk creatively shaped or a tree stump full of whimsy, one should never assume that a stump is really ever just a stump.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Feisty Elle Felt Jewelry at Pfeifer Studio

2010-09-03T14:09:00.006-06:00

We are very excited to tell you about Feisty Elle, a beautiful collection of felt jewelry that we recently debuted in our showroom. These exquisite designs are created by Leslie Yang, a California native with a love for bright colors and bold accessories, who moved to the Bay Area for college, fell in love with the pace of life and its natural beauty and decided to call it home.

Petal Drop Felt Earrings in Pink - $36.00

Leslie’s style combines her expertise in both graphic design and fiber arts. She aims to design jewelry and accessories that are clean in form, vivid in color, and always fun and functional to wear.

Mocha Feather Necklace - $65.00

The collection has evolved with a commitment to use sustainable materials such as merino wool felt and caters to a woman who EMBRACES bold colors and shapes, LOVES that earrings can be big and classy, and CHOOSES jewelry that is as versatile as she is.

Dahlia Felt Earrings in Green - $36.00

Leslie was the first designer to produce earrings made from lasercut merino wool felt and one of the first to produce jewelry out of this gorgeous, natural material at all. The light, soft nature of the felt has made them runaway hits in boutiques.

Feather Felt Earrings in Blue - $36.00

All of her jewelry is designed and assembled in the San Francisco Bay Area and Pfeifer Studio is exclusive retailer of the collection in New Mexico! For our readers not in New Mexico, we suggest that you visit the collection online to learn more.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Win a $200 Gift Card!

2010-09-01T17:08:00.006-06:00

You should be following us on Facebook! Its the best way to keep up to date on all things Pfeifer. Be the first to know about new product previews, the latest events and special promotions.

And now is the time! Start following us during September 2010 and you will be automatically registered to win a $200 Gift Card! Click here to like us now and stayed tuned for the winner to be announced on October 1, 2010.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Around the World with Barbara Cosgrove

2010-08-26T10:36:00.009-06:00

When I first saw the Barbara Cosgrove collection at Pfeifer Studio, I immediately felt like I had just uncovered an array of rare artifacts that tell the story of an archaeologist's travels around the world. One by one, each lamp with a tale to tell, I embarked on a journey like no other. From the African Safari with the Horn Table Lamp, I imagined a jeep finding its way through a herd of elephants to get to the ultimate destination. The Pagoda and Foo Dog Table Lamps, perhaps an inspiration from a trip through China, I love the idea for the trumpet shaped Glass Table Lamps that came from a trip to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.

Set of Foo Dog Table Lamps - $659.00 + Free Delivery

Glass Table Lamps - starting at $519.00 + Free Delivery

Back to the states in a shiny jet reminiscent of the Hammered Silver Table Lamp to a climbing trip through the Rocky Mountains with the Ram Horn Table Lamp, we all know “there’s no place like home” back in Kansas and a trip to the pharmacy with some really cool Pharmacy Table Lamps.

Hammered Silver Table Lamp - $565.00 + Free Delivery

Pharmacy Table Lamp - $269.00 + Free Delivery

An expedition that goes on and on with more stories to follow, I can’t help but wonder when they will start to film the Barbara Cosgrove biography. Cameras perched atop Tripod Floor Lamps accompanied by perfectly-placed Cinema Table Lamps and Studio Lamps to light the session, now all that’s left is a little digging to find out if all that adventure is fact or fiction.

Cinema Table Lamp - $449.00 + Free Delivery

To view more of the Barbara Cosgrove collection, visit Pfeifer Studio online and let your imagination whisk you away.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Pfeifer on Design Sponge

2010-08-23T12:46:00.005-06:00

Our Bosque Stool Table at Searsucker in San Diego

We love designsponge.com and visit it almost daily to see what is happening in the world of design. So as you can imagine, we were pretty excited when when came across this recent post on Searsucker, a hot new restaurant in San Diego that has some great Pfeifer Studio designs featured in their eclectic interior.
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Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Amye Charfoos and Foosology: A Chicago Interior Designer to Watch

2010-08-13T14:01:00.006-06:00

When I first met Amye it was behind the eye of her camera in 2002—a beautiful and confident young photographer bursting with creative ideas and boundless energy. Having since collaborated with her on a unique photography exhibition and some funky photo shoots in between, I now get the pleasure of watching her interior design career blossom…and at an incredible speed.

Chicago Interior Designer, Amye Charfoos

The owner of Foosology (www.foosology.com), an interior design firm in Chicago, I am thrilled that Amye included Pfeifer’s Cowhide Low Stool in her latest design project at Chicago’s prominent Trump Tower. Having known her for so long, I’m proud to introduce such a dear friend.

Pfeifer Studio's Cowhide Low Stool in a bedroom by Amye

You’ve had such an interesting background, and I know that creative mind of yours was sparked at a very early age…I think I read somewhere that it started at the dining room table. Well, they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. My mom is an Interior Designer and my dad is a Builder. It is something in my blood. I grew up talking about design and construction around the dinner table. I can still remember, as a young kid, wearing a tiny hard hat and walking construction sites with my dad. With my mom I browsed through various furniture showrooms and art galleries. Through this exposure, I developed a heightened sensitivity for interior environments. I remember rearranging my bedroom furniture every which-way throughout my childhood; when we went out to dinner I took notice of the décor in the restaurants and commented on their bathroom finishes; I loved to get tours of my friends’ houses to see how other people lived and decorated. I think a lot of people can relate to this interest in interiors, but I just started at a particularly young age.

When you received your first degree, a BFA in Photography with a minor in business from Washington University, was there ever a part of you that would have imagined pursuing anything else? As an artist you have to stay fresh, current and motivated to be on top of your game. With that said it is so important to keep an open mind for potential opportunities. I never really know what’s around the corner. Photography was a great creative vehicle for me. I enjoyed the process and the medium. At the time, it was still the age of film and there was something magical about the dark room. I especially loved working in color.

I know a BFA and a minor in business seem like an odd pair, but growing up I met a lot of wonderful artists that lacked a savvy business sense. I met great business-minded people, but they weren’t able to work creatively. I have the ability and interest to work in both. That makes for an unusual but extremely valuable combination. I wanted to find a career that allowed me to make a business out of making art. Photography certainly fit that roll for some time. Even though I had a successful career as a portrait photographer, in Chicago I fell in love with interiors again. So I went back to school to get a second degree in Interior Design from Harrington College of Design.

Now with a degree in Interior Design, do you feel like this is it, or is there something else waiting around the corner? The world of Interior Design is so vast with many different paths to explore. So, I’m very excited about all the potential opportunities to grow and change. Around the corner, I’d love to take on more construction and renovation projects. It’s one of my strong suits and sets me apart as a designer.

In the design/build process, it is important to remember form and function. There’s a lot of value in having an experienced interior designer as a part of the construction phase to help with picking timeless finishes, navigating the world of contractors and ultimately designing a space that fits your lifestyle….and your furniture!

Do you think your experience as a photographer has contributed to your design career in anyway? Absolutely. The camera was great tool for me to again observe and analyze the world I lived in. Looking through a lens forced me to choose and edit my view. The composition was imperative. This editing skill has been a great asset in my design business. As a designer, my clients need me to help create an overall picture or theme for their space. As you go through a project and pick out the smaller details, it is so important to continually take a step back and analyze the entirety. Clients often get overwhelmed in the details. That’s why I have a job! I continually circle back to evaluate the project as a whole.

Tell me a little bit about how Foosology came to be. Do you think you’ll stay independent? My photography business was named Foos Photography. Foos, stemmed from my last name Charfoos, has been my nickname throughout life. As I expanded my business to include Interior Design and Construction, I needed a company name that was all-encompassing. Foosology, the Art of Creative Living, came to be. I believe my job is to help my clients live a more creative life. I help them see the design world through my eyes and show them all the joys and pleasure to be had in a well-designed environment.

As for staying independent, my parents were both small business owners. The idea of owning my own business, to follow-suit, was appealing early on in my career. I wasn’t intimidated by the concept. I was really motivated to go out on my own right away. So, just after college I started Foos Photography. However, I quickly realized there was a lot to learn about running a business that school didn’t teach me. Because I was both new to the field and the city of Chicago, learning on my own time and dollar wasn’t ideal. So, after I finished my degree in Interior Design a few years later, I decided not to make the same mistake twice. I found a job with a residential developer and learned the industry while getting paid. It was a fantastic opportunity and an amazing growth period. After 2 years into the job, I was ready to go out on my own again and I started Foosology. Even though owning a business is a ton of work, I can’t imagine ever working for someone else again. I love the independence and challenges of running my own company. I do, however, enjoy collaborative projects and working with other creative people. So, that’s always a possibility.

Do you have a design philosophy or a particular approach you take when you encounter a project? Is there one thing in particular that says Amye Charfoos designed this space? My approach is to be a very good listener and an advocate for my clients. I first want to understand their goals for the project. How do they live in their space? What are they missing in their current layout? How can I help them add to or change their living environment to make it even better. My approach is to teach my clients about design and provide them with tools to make good design decisions. What makes a Foosology design is really the fact that you wouldn’t know it was Foosology. First and foremost, it should be a wonderful reflection of my client. At the end of the day, it is not my place; it’s their place. I want them to be happy and love the environment they live in. So, the design decisions we make, as a team, ultimately have my clients’ best interests at heart.

How do clients find you or vice versa? Word of mouth is the best form of advertising. A happy client is a wonderful referral source. When they show off their space to friends and family, well, I couldn’t pay for better advertising. So between happy clients, supportive furniture reps, contractors and great friends, I have a wonderful base of advertisers.

Let’s talk about that gorgeous project you just finished up at Trump Tower in Chicago. Was this a main residence or second home? Was there a specific situation or design issue you had to overcome? What’s your favorite thing about the project? The Trump Tower project was absolutely amazing. I had a great time working with my clients and we’re all thrilled with the finished product. If I could just move right into that condo I would! I find the space to be exceptionally inviting and relaxing. And the views are simply the best in the city.
This residence is a second home for my clients. With second homes I find clients are willing to push the envelope a bit more. They also tend to be more relaxed in general with the project. Here in Chicago a large part of my business are clients investing in second homes in the city. I really enjoy working on vacation or second homes.

Every project has its specific challenges. In this project a few issues stick out in particular. First off, there weren’t any overhead lights in all the main rooms. Although during the day, the floor-to-ceiling windows provide enough soft light, we worked really hard to create an ideal evening setting. The table and floor lamps had to be both functional and beautiful. So, I found several lights that seem more like art objects than lamps, but still provide the right light needed.

The Living Room in Amye's recent Trump Tower Project

The second challenge was the powder room. The existing white walls, white pedestal, white toilet and slate floors didn’t have the impact we were looking for. However, it just wasn’t the best use of money to replace these new fixtures. So, we decided to play-up the existing finishes. I found a gorgeous charcoal-blue pebbled mosaic that matched the color of the floors. We tiled the wall behind the vanity to add a focal point, swapped out the builder’s grade mirror for a fantastic framed decorative mirror and painted the walls the same color as the floor and mosaic wall tile. With the addition of some accessories and artwork the powder room is now one of our favorite spaces in the residence and probably cost us the least amount of money in the whole place! Designing this powder room was a great reminder to take cues from the existing environment and finishes. If you work with what you have versus fighting it, the end result will be much more cohesive and complete.

The Trump Tower Powder Room

Thank you for purchasing Pfeifer Studio’s Cowhide Low Stool for your project. I’m wondering if you can tell me why you selected this particular stool and any general thoughts you have regarding Pfeifer in general. I hope Pfeifer Studio and Foosology will work together again soon! I have admired Pfeifer Studio and it’s collection for a long time. I am always excited when I have a project that includes something from Pfeifer Studio. For this Trump Tower project, we needed a foot-stool for the master bedroom’s lounge chair. I was looking for something more sculptural with a hand-crafted, almost tribal, look. My client and I fell for the Cowhide Low Stool! It was the perfect addition to the space. The mixture of hair-on-hide and a sculpted wood base makes for a great conversation piece and really helped round out the room. Thanks Pfeifer! I look forward to showing off your pieces to my other clients.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

New In Store: Recycled Metal Bicycles

2010-08-10T12:16:00.008-06:00

Recycled Metal Bicycles - $18 - In Store Only

We are always on the hunt for cool objects created from repurposed materials, like these adorable mini-bicycles handmade in Kenya from 100% recycled metal and rubber. The artisans who created these have an amazing eye for detail. We love the wrapped wire seat and handle bars. They even have working pedals and a kickstand.

These wonderful little items are only available in our shop, stop by soon to see them for yourself. We can also ship for those of you far and wide, call us at 1-866-804-1909 to learn more.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

A Furniture Mystery: Little Miss Muffet’s Tuffet

2010-08-07T11:25:00.005-06:00

Little Miss Muffet
Sat on a tuffet,
Eating her curds and whey;
There came a big spider,
Who sat down beside her…

BUT WHEN WAS THAT OTTOMAN MADE?

Flipping through my September issue of Veranda, I ran across a mini feature about the ottoman. Upon reading it, I immediately started to wonder about the ottoman’s history and went on the hunt for any information I could find (thank you Wikipedia, Andrew Lydon, and Amy Everet). Learning a thing or two about its origins, I’m pretty sure I uncovered an historical controversy and furniture mystery along the way.

The History

It’s most probable that the ottoman came about in Europe during the early 1800’s. It’s origin from the identical French word ottoman, which means a certain type of ribbed or corded textile, eventually led to the making of the ever-so-popular fabric covered stool for resting one’s feet. Though its use as a footrest was obvious, it’s not certain whether this notion came about because of Napoleon Bonaparte's adventures around the Mediterranean or Turkish influence in Europe. When Egypt was part of the Ottoman Empire, the Egyptians endured many forms of punishment and acts of brutality. Footstools were utilized as a resting place for weary feet. When the French invaded Egypt, they saw these footstools in use and brought the idea back with them to France.

Others believe the concept of the ottoman made its way to Europe as a direct result of those who travelled back and forth to the Ottoman Empire, returning to Western Europe with concepts and furniture ideas influenced by Turkish furniture styles they saw at mosques and palaces.

Cowhide Low Stool - $179 + Free Delivery

The Mystery

The ottoman, also called a hassock, a footstool, a blanket box, a pouffe (something “puffed out” in French), and a tuffet (small cluster of grass in English), happens to be the seat of choice for Little Miss Muffet in the controversial children’s nursery rhyme. First appearing in print in 1805 in a book titled Songs for the Nursery, it’s still unknown as to who exactly wrote the rhyme and why. One theory suggests it was written by Dr. Thomas Muffet, a 16th Century English entomologist for his stepdaughters, and others say it refers to Mary Queen of Scots (1543-1587), who was frightened by religious reformer John Knox. But, here’s the mystery! If any of these theories is true, that means the ottoman has been around for a lot longer than we thought, and the entire course of the ottoman’s history would be changed as we “probably” know it.

Gold Leather Pouf From Morocco - $259 + Free Delivery

Regardless of the history and mystery surrounding the ottoman, it’s a fact that the ottoman or footstool has found its way into almost every single home. Whether for the weary foot, or a hiding place for blankets and clutter, Pfeifer Studio has a unique offering of footstools and poufs you will definitely want to check out.

Custom White Leather Footstool from Pfeifer Custom

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Pfeifer Studio on Apartment Therapy

2010-08-03T11:37:00.005-06:00

One of our favorite blogs, ApartmentTherapy.com, just did a great post on Kuba style textiles and included a mention of our popular Kuba Cloth Pillows.

They think that "the difference between contemporary Kuba-style fabrics and the real thing is visible in the details" and we totally agree. That's why we can always recommend our natural handwoven raffia cloth pillows available exclusively through Pfeifer Studio.

Posted by: AJ (a@pfeiferstudio.com)

Relax! Take a Load Off!

2010-07-27T15:17:00.004-06:00

Put your feet up, have a soak, and wear your bathrobe the next time you shop Pfeifer Studio…from Betty’s Bath and Day Spa in Albuquerque that is! Exactly two weeks ago today, we opened a store-within-a-store at Albuquerque’s only soak, relaxation and wellness spa. We are thrilled about this collaboration and can’t think of a better place to exhibit some of our eclectic jewels and fashions (aside from Pfeifer Studio of course).

Located in the lobby of Betty’s, you will find a completely unique and beautifully displayed collection of all the accessories anyone could ever need to feel beautiful. Bangles galore, a fine selection of scarves, a wonderful variety of beaded necklaces and handbags…and please don’t forget to check out my favorite silk clutch, the Hand Painted Kalamkari.

If you’ve been keeping up with Pfeifer Studio (BTW you can follow us on Facebook), you’ve probably noticed how incredibly busy we’ve been lately with custom projects and orders from around the globe. We’re excited that our clientele is building in Chicago and New York, and with this new pop-up endeavor, you never know when Pfeifer will find its way to your location. But for now, with all our hard work and excitement, we’re heading to Betty’s Bath for some fabulous facials and some serious down time.

Hope to see you there!

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

New In Store: Handmade Ceramic Vase

2010-07-23T15:11:00.003-06:00

Ceramic Vase - 10 diameter x 16.5 H inches - $245

We are totally loving this beautiful new ceramic vase in our showroom from artist Mike McDowell. He's the man behind the cool skull with a gold tooth that you may have found if you've spent any time perusing our site. He says that his "objective is to hand craft beautiful, well made objects for your home." His new body of ceramic work is built to clearly show the hand of the maker to contrast with, yet compliment, contemporary design trends.

We can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

Posted By: AJ (ak@pfeiferstudio.com)

Artist Profile: Thomas Christopher Haag

2010-07-20T10:53:00.006-06:00

Most of us have a way of expressing our creativity, whether it’s snapping a photo or making a handmade card. But the majority of us are not painters, and when presented with an empty canvas or giant wall we would likely feel intimidated, not knowing where to begin. When Thomas Christopher Haag sees a blank “canvas” or empty wall, his work of art begins with a process of contemplation and a vision that comes from a deeper place of inspiration. According to Thomas, “most of my pieces describe a specific situation, sometimes very banal, but played out by epic and complex myth personalities which are usually a mashed conglomerate of several different cultural icons from various religions and mythologies, literature and television. These huge movements basically define who we are as humans today, in all of our epic complexity.”

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Thomas Christopher Haag, a most interesting person (who was once a smuggler amongst other things) and painter whose fascinating work can be seen at Pfeifer Studio and online at thomaschristopherhaag.com. When interviewing an artist, I like to first find out what their connection is to Pfeifer Studio then dive right into the process of creating a work of art and what’s behind the artist at hand. I am grateful to Thomas for sharing his insight into how the first brush stroke leads to the second one, so on and so forth, until eventually a magnificent painting or contemplative mural reveals itself.

How did you meet AJ and when did you start showing your work at Pfeifer Studio? Was there a particular reason you chose Pfeifer Studio to represent your work?

AJ and I met while we were neighbors in the upper Nob Hill neighborhood (of Albuquerque). Pfeifer Studio was next door to Stove, a gallery cooperative I was squatting in at the time. I lived in an elevated box behind the gallery space and I bucket bathed in the back alley. I miss it sometimes.

I don't remember exactly how I started showing at AJ’s place; I probably guilt-tripped him or put them up myself when he wasn't looking and he was nice enough to leave them up.

When I first saw your paintings, I imagined myself in an Egyptian tomb or a cave wall carved with hieroglyphs. But there also seems to be an urban edge to some of your work—kind of a mix of the now with the historical past. I especially noticed this with welcome to and there goes the neighborhood. I'm wondering if you can please tell me about this painting.

welcome to and there goes the neighborhood
36x72" reclaimed latex house paint, colored pencil and paper collage on hollow core door, 2010

Let's see, welcome to and there goes the neighborhood, the children-type personalities are both highly grateful and deeply dubious about the flying adultish character that slowly glides above them releasing some sort of atomic goodwill cloud out of his hand. He seems to be heading straight into the heart of some kind of towering suburban high rise complex thingy. There's a bird. It's based on a dream I've had my whole life, which is a fluke because I usually never really paint what I dream because that would be cheesy. In my dreams I help people and I'm awesome and it's all about me.

As an artist, when it comes to your surroundings, what can't you live without?

Mostly oxygen. And ridiculousness…especially the hilarious kind.

I know it's a common question, but do you have any favorite artists that you admire?

I've stolen ideas and techniques from so many artists I couldn't even count. Dead and alive. I love so many…way too many.

I am drawn to your particular use of color and the beautiful muted tones that seem very grounded in the earth. I believe I read that this muted tone quality came about by accident due to a situation where you ended up sanding your painting for one reason or another. Please feel free to clarify. Were there any other "accidents" you've experienced along the way?

Oh yeah the sanding thing, it freaks people out a little. I had been working in my studio in Seattle on a series of paintings like six years ago. I was almost finished with the entire group of 9 paintings, because I like that number, when I screwed up big time and ruined a painting with overspray. I emoted mightily and threw the painting out the open window and gave the gallery only 8 paintings. Afterward, because I was broke, I retrieved the thrown canvas and decided to sand the paint off and try to reuse it. After sanding way too half-assedly and poking way too many holes through the canvas (I now use wood) I discovered that I very much liked the way the ruined canvas looked. The colors, scratched into and off [one] other, softens their impact and creates a layered effect and allows for colored pencils to have more tooth. I [then] use the sanded ruined layer as the foundation layer for an entirely different painting. I paint an entire abstract all-over [the] piece, sand the crap out of it, and then paint a representational piece over it, using the first sanded layer as the fill-in for the characters and completely losing over half of the original piece. The entire painting process is one accident covering up another. It’s all accidents all the time till it's done. It might seem like a lot of wasted time and paint, and it is, but that's how I do it.

Is there something about your art you want us to know?

My DNA is probably on it somewhere.

What's the one thing you want us to know about you? Can you tell me something about yourself that's not on your website?

I've been doing street art for years all over the world under an assumed "street name” but I can't tell you what it is […]. I always put this "street name" in my paintings, but good luck finding it because I hide it by putting a lot of stuff in my paintings. I’m also mostly Taoist.

Do you have a favorite painting or two I can post, and can you tell me why they are your favorites?

My two recent favorites are pegasus dreams a domestic dream and nice going, buffalo dancer , but I don't want to talk about them because it's too personal.

pegasus dreams a domestic dream
48x24" reclaimed latex house paint, colored pencil and paper collage on birch panel, 2010

nice going, buffalo dancer
48x48" reclaimed latex house paint, colored pencil and paper collage on birch panel, 2010

If you weren't an artist for a living, what do you think you'd be doing right now?
Very likely more smuggling or something equally illegitimate—very very likely. I've also always wanted to see what it's like to have disciples; it's probably pretty neat.

Posted by: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Showroom Only Sale in New Mexico!

2010-07-15T12:37:00.002-06:00

The temperatures are HOT and so are the discounts. Save up to 85% on select furniture, home accessories & fashion styles during the Summer Sale in our Albuquerque showroom. If you have been waiting to buy that one select piece, now is the time to grab it, starting this Friday, July 16th - Saturday, July 24th!

Pfeifer Studio

4022 Rio Grande NW in The Flying Star Plaza

Albuquerque, NM 87107

Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm

Custom Project: From Hong Kong to New Mexico to Delhi and back

2010-07-13T14:19:00.006-06:00

This month at Pfeifer Studio we’re showing off custom projects we’ve done for our clients. This next project is the story of a well-travelled footstool idea that initiated in Hong Kong, made its way to Pfeifer Studio in New Mexico, went to Delhi for the making, and found its way back home to Hong Kong…this time in the form of a beautiful white leather footstool.

Pfeifer Studio offers a unique “around the world” online shopping experience with its collection of luxury modern home furnishings and fashions produced by artisans from around the globe. Being a global shopping portal, we are always greatly surprised when one of our customers happens to be someone who actually lives in another part of the world, especially when it’s someone who comes to us with an idea for a totally custom product.

Custom White Leather Footstool with Dark Wood Legs

Lately we were approached by a woman in Hong Kong who sent us drawings to make a very adorable custom footstool. With the convenience of the Internet, we received her plans via email, forwarded them to India, and the footstool was made in our Delhi workshop. With a 4 week lead-time, she approved the wood finish and leather color by emailed images, and the footstool was shipped directly to Hong Kong from Delhi. Just like that!

The Footstool Features a White Topstitch Design on Top

Other project commissions have included a line of scarves and jewelry for National Geographic and store visuals for Saks Fifth Avenue and Burberry. The King of Jordan places multiple orders for pillows and tissue box holders for The Royal Palaces, and we’ve been known to produce side tables and pillows for hotel rooms and lobbies all over the world.

So the next time you shop Pfeifer Studio and can’t seem to find the one thing you’re looking for, don’t forget to ask us if we can make it for you…no matter where you are. We have some great ideas and a group of fine artisans who know a thing or two about great craftsmanship and an eye for the finest details.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Custom Project: Oversized Leather Tote

2010-07-07T13:15:00.007-06:00

Many of you may already be familiar with our oversized leather tote embossed with Mogil Floral and Islamic Geometric patterns taken from the Taj Mahal. It has been a part of our collection for over 5 years and it has consistently been a best seller, especially in our shop.
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Recently a client wanted to see if we could make it with one small change. She needed it to fit over her shoulder horizontally instead of vertically. Since Pfeifer Studio is the retailer and also the designer of the bag, we have a direct connection to the workshop that makes it. So it was not a problem at all to have a unique one-of-a-kind style created just for her.

If you need a custom fashion accessory look no further than Pfeifer Studio. We work with global artisans to create custom designs for our clients. Many of the styles sold online can be ordered in custom sizes and materials. We also create original one-of-a-kind designs and custom styles that are produced in larger quantities. To learn more about our custom design capabilities contact us at 1-866-804-1909 to discuss your ideas.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Pfeifer Studio on whorange.net

2010-06-30T15:57:00.003-06:00

Check it out! Our Cast Iron Bottle Openers are featured on this supa-cool blog: whorange.net!

once upon a time, a gal named tula jeng purchased a painting by artist paul kozlowski at the fake gallery in hollywood. from that day on, her favorite color has been whorange.

in 2008, tula created WHORANGE as a way to celebrate craveable style & design in all of its splendor -- from the beautifully innovative to the gloriously gaudy. throughout the pages of WHORANGE, you will find works by independent artists and designers, unique interiors, mid-century must haves, high brow art, low brow cravings, flea market fantasies, catwalk candy, fabulous events, ecomania, and stuff your eccentric gay uncle would love.

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Lavender in The Village Celebration!

2010-06-29T21:39:00.006-06:00

Check out some great pictures from our Lavender in the Village Celebration and Sidewalk Sale, featuring live music from Hilary Smith and The Soul Kitchen Trio!

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Product Preview: From Morocco to New Mexico and some Old Black Lamp Magic

2010-06-28T11:49:00.003-06:00

There’s nothing more magical than a dark room brilliantly lit by a selectively placed lamp or two or three…or an entire room filled with a hand-picked selection of wonderfully sized and shaped lamps.

Moroccan Ceramic Lamps $265 - $309 + Free Delivery

Just in to the shop and available online, you have to check out Pfeifer Studio’s new ultra sleek and bulbous black lamps from Morocco. From 17 - 25 inches tall, pair them together like a king and queen, or place them at different levels throughout the room on the fireplace mantle, sofa table, side table, a pile of stacked books in the corner, or a favorite chair.

Each lamp with its black ceramic base has a touch of metal for added class and sophistication, and the lamps are topped by a black linen shade contributing to the Moroccan mystique. For a little black magic, turn the main light off and flip the switch on these fabulous lamps. But be warned, because they might just put a spell on you!

Available in the studio or online, Pfeifer Studio also carries a distinctive collection of lamps from all around the globe.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Lavender In the Village Festival

2010-06-24T10:29:00.004-06:00

Its summertime in Albuquerque's North Valley and that means that the lavender is ready to harvest just down the road from the studio at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Cultural Center.

Be sure to drop by Pfeifer Studio on the way to the annual Lavender in the Village Festival. We'll have tasty treats and some great discounts in front of the shop at our sidewalk sale. Hilary Smith will be performing with Soul Kitchen Trio on Saturday from 3 - 4:30pm. You can register to win a gift basket valued at $500 with great loot from every shop in the plaza (we threw in a one-of-a-kind leather pillow!) and there will be delicious Lavender Lemonade over at the Flying Star Cafe.

We hope to see you.

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Pfeifer Studio, 4022 Rio Grande NW, Albuquerque 87107

Saturday, June 26th 10am - 7pm

Sunday, June 27th 12pm - 5pm

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Futurism: An Art Review

2010-06-23T08:05:00.012-06:00

I have a great love for typography and interesting graphic design. On a recent antique flea market shopping trip I snapped a picture of a book jacket from a book called Futurism: The Museum of Modern Art New York. At the time I didn’t pay any attention to what the book was about or what was inside. This weekend I was sorting through a bunch of photos and ran across this one, having completely forgotten I ever took it. Curiosity getting the best of me, I decided to learn what I could about this most interesting title. It turns out the book is an exhibition guide written by Joshua C. Taylor for an art exhibit about Futurism that took place at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City from May 31–September 5, 1961.

Futurism is a fairly complex art and social movement that was initiated in Italy during the early 20th century by Thomas Marinetti (I’ll try to simplify…thank you Wikipedia and artyfacts.info). A movement set forth by an agenda written by Marinetti called The Futurist Manifesto, it was initially published in 1909 in the French newspaper Le Figaro. Its purpose was to create change and embrace the new technology of the machine age and the advances made in science that brought about electricity, automobiles, and ship liners. Choosing Paris, the art capital of the world, as a place to lobby for this new movement, the manifesto argued for artists to look to the present for their subject matter and technique instead of painting historical, mythological or religious subjects. The first painters to embrace Futurism were Giacomo Balla, Gino Severini, Carlo Carrà, Luigi Russolo, and Umberto Boccioni.

In Joshua C. Taylor’s Futurism exhibition guide, he states:

“The Futurist artists…set out to create an art as exhilarating as Marinetti’s promise. They translated the kinetic rhythms and the confused, intense sensations of modern life into potent visual form, creating works of art of extraordinary emotional impact. The Futurists’ approach to art, their manifestos and demonstrations set a pattern for many art movements which followed, such as Constructivism, Dada, and Surrealism…and the sympathy between certain Futurist procedures and current endeavors is largely responsible for the growing interest in Futurism.” -Joshua C. Taylor

Some of my favorite works from the exhibition include…

In a painting by Giacomo Balla called Dog On A Leash from 1912, movement is shown as a dog walks alongside its master. Slowing down a scene that we all see, but never in a still, this painting is inspired by photographs of people moving.

Dog On A Leash by Giacomo Balla (1912)

A lover of dance in the the café life of Paris, Gino Severini’s Blue Dancer painting from 1912 reflects movement created by the fusion of the figure with her surroundings by the penetration of light. Flickering light was rendered dazzlingly by the application of real sequins to the canvas in areas corresponding to the dress.

Blue Dancer by Gio Severini (1912)

Patriotic Celebration from 1914 is an artwork collage and free word painting in the Futurist style. Artist Carlo Carrà pursued a concept of total art which incorporated a desire to go beyond the bounds of traditional art. His methods combined adaptations of synthetic Cubist notions and free-word structures. His free-word "painting" with a propagandist intention is made from various "real" materials of communication containing lettering (newspapers, leaflets and labels). It also contains within itself certain noise implications through the representations of onomatopoeic sounds.

Patriotic Celebration by Carlo Carrà (1914)

The goal of Futurist painters was to capture the “dynamic sensation” by being aware of the fact that objects and individuals did not exist in isolation to their surroundings, but rather they weave into each other and are seen in relation to other objects and subjects. It was also essential to depict the objects as constantly moving. Each painter proceeded to develop an art form that would be able to translate this dynamic sensation onto canvas. To heighten or emphasize this aspect, painters experimented with different painting techniques, borrowing from the divisionists and developments in photography. Using the notion of simultaneity, they would represent a galloping horse by several repeated leg movements. The Futurist technique showed no boundaries, making it difficult to tell where one subject ends and the other begins. Movement is expressed by clearly defined horizontals or verticals.

I continue to be fascinated with the various art movements that have influenced where art is today. The futurist movement was significant, and affected painting, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, theater, film, fashion, textiles, literature, music, architecture, and even gastronomy.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Summer Solstice: Pfeifer Style

2010-06-16T15:43:00.013-06:00

It was a busy morning of gardening. While seated on my Chinese Stool, I planted a row of hostas around the perimeter of my backyard. Taking a break for a snack on my cobblestone patio, I threw out my vintage-inspired picnic table cloth and napkins over an antique french bistro table.

Chinese Stool - $69.00 + Free Delivery

Vintage Picnic Napkins and Table Cloths - $4.50 - $39.00 (Store Exclusive)

Setting my Moroccan Tea Glass glass on a Wood Slice Coaster placed on my Onde Stool Table, I kick back on my oh-so-dreamy Woven Rope Bed and rest my head on a Tree of Life Appliqué Pillow.

Wood Slice Coasters - $7.50 + Free Delivery
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Onde Stool Table - $265.00 + Free Delivery

Woven Rope Bed - $799.00

Tree Of Life Appliqué Pillow - $45.00 + Free Delivery

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Imagining the outfit I will wear for tonight’s Summer Solstice celebration with friends, I can’t wait to throw on my orange linen sundress, sheer silk scarf, and my favorite wrap sandals.
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Sheer Silk Scarves - $39.00 (Store Exclusive)

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Dozing off for a nap, I awake just in time to get ready for the party. In celebration of the beginning of summer, I spend a lovely evening outside with friends. After a long night of festivities, I change into soft cotton loungewear, step into my pula chappal slippers, grab a Silk and Linen Throw and sink into my Guarayos Bolivian Cotton Hammock for a night under the stars.
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Pula Chappal Slippers - $39.00 (Store Exclusive)

Bolivian Cotton Hammock - $229.00 + Free Delivery

Whether a warm summer day or cool evening with friends, Pfeifer Studio offers a fabulous selection of outdoor furniture, accessories, and jewelry to make your summer a hit. With the first day of summer right around the corner, if you haven’t thought about how you plan to celebrate its arrival, stop by the studio and let us help you go out in Pfeifer style.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

Our Eco-Friendly Stool Tables on Blomma Finds

2010-06-15T14:00:00.004-06:00

We just found a great new blog that we want to tell you about called Blomma Finds. Blomma recently did a little post on our Eco-Friendly Stool Tables, and we thought that we would share.

The idea for her blog came about because she tends to find some interesting things online and loves nothing more than sharing them with friends.

She features products that are from smaller, independent and less mainstream sites. From time to time she will slip in a totally ridiculous item that no one can afford but 8 out of 10 posts feature a product that is quite reasonably priced. Good design doesn't have to put you in the poor house.

We couldn't agree more!

Posted by: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Bridget Meyer: The Woman Behind our African Crafts

2010-06-10T12:36:00.007-06:00

When Bridget Meyer was the first person from her tiny African village on the Zambesi River to receive a high school diploma, there was no question she would end up doing something great. After moving to the U.S. and eventually marrying Bob Meyer, the visiting American she met while living in Zambia, she wanted to keep in touch with her roots and introduce the U.S. to her wonderful African culture.

Bridget began to bring crafts from Africa to the United States. Starting with traditional Wedding Baskets, African clay vessels, and then Kuba Cloth Pillows, she brings fine African products that tell a story, to market. What started in Bridget and Bob’s Minneapolis apartment bedroom has now grown to a large warehouse in California and two warehouse sites in Zambia, where she offers work opportunities for clay artisans and approximately 400 weavers.

What’s unique about her artists is that they work from home, at their own pace, so they can earn a sustainable income and raise their families at the same time—living their preferred traditional way of life.

Bridget Meyer

Her African Wedding baskets get their name because they are traditionally given to a newlywed African bride as a wedding gift. Woven from the roots of the makenge bush, each basket takes over one month to weave and the quality of these baskets can only be attained by the most skillful and experienced weavers.

African Wedding Baskets - $235 + Free Delivery

If you’ve been keeping up with our blogs, you know we also love her Kuba Cloth Pillows. Made from the finest cloths, women use natural vegetable dyes to color the cloth before they sew it together. The wear in the fibers and stitching is due to age and use, which is part of the natural beauty and value of the cloth.

Kuba Cloth Pillows - $199 + Free Delivery

Pfeifer Studio first saw Bridget's crafts almost 10 years ago. Not only did we fall in love with her passion for what she does, but with her beautiful handicrafts, which are available through the Pfeifer Studio website.

Bridget Meyer was recently awarded a Ruby Award through Soroptomist International for her efforts to help women and girls in Africa. Soropotimist International is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)

New In Store: Cotton Blankets from India

2010-06-04T15:52:00.003-06:00

We will be pushing 100 degrees over the next few days here in Albuquerque. Not exactly blanket weather! We still love our new handwoven cotton blankets from India that just hit the showroom floor. The cool cotton fibers are perfect for a summer night. We are in the desert after all, and the temperatures are known to drop after the sun goes down.

Plus they are huge! Measuring a significant 71 x 102 inches, they offer some serious coverage.

Handwoven Cotton Blankets From India - $119 - In Store Only

Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)

Licking the Windows

2010-06-02T15:20:00.007-06:00

Every successful retailer knows how to draw the attention of their shoppers, and the French are no exception. Known for their stunning window displays, the French have an expression for window shopping called 'leche-vitrine', which literally means 'licking the windows'.

Retail Recruiter for Downtown Highland Park on Chicago’s North Shore, I recently attended a conference in Nashville highlighting some of the globe’s most exciting retail stores and store displays. We discussed the great retailer who changes their window displays on a regular basis, and there was also a conversation about finding ways to capture a shopper’s attention at, above, and below eye-level. Perhaps the most important discussion of all was how retailers can use lighting to make a store look open, even after hours.

AJ DeForest, owner of Pfeifer Studio, has a great eye for design and display and knows a thing or two about drawing the attention of his shoppers. No surprise that he was named one of America’s “smartest design and fashion boutiques” according to Elle Décor magazine, I wanted to share with you his thinking process when it comes to selecting the mix of available product and displaying the store’s merchandise.

Rattan Totes Hanging in our Showroom

When selecting product, what do you think about?

Though it seems simple, I buy what I like and what will sell. I only buy natural materials, no synthetics. I don’t like things that are made to look like something else. For example, a simple rattan and leather tote is better than something more elaborate that is trying too hard. I like to get several items in the shop that make a statement and maybe have a high price tag, but I will also bring in less expensive smaller items so people can still always walk out with something.

Can you please talk about your window displays?

When it comes to window displays, I like to keep them clean and clutter free. I always try to place something in the windows with a wide appeal to draw people in. To catch a shopper’s eye beyond the window display, I add large graphic items at the back of the shop to entice them to come in. Lighting is key, and it’s important to have different levels of lighting throughout the store that are also left on after hours so passersby can ‘shop’ even when we’re not open.

Feeling Blue-dio at Pfeifer Stu-dio

You mentioned your use of grouping products by color…can you elaborate on that?

Keeping your product organized is important for the shopper, and color is a great way to group because people often shop this way. For example, if they have a blue sofa and need a pillow that will work with it, they will know where to look. If a customer has to spend too much time seeking out the right thing, they can easily get frustrated and leave empty-handed.

Kuba Cloth and Goathide Pillows

You talked about the layering factor and keeping things relevant to the location of where a product was created.

Layering is another method I use for displaying product, and an example of this is placing a goat hide pillow with a kuba cloth pillow because goats are common in African villages where the kuba cloths are woven. They are also a nice contrast of materials… the raffia fabric with the goat hide. I also like to have a sense of humor when displaying items. You might find a little stuffed monkey on a vintage school chair, which creates for a setting that’s unexpected.

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Online or at the shop, during or after hours, Pfeifer Studio is a shopping experience you don’t want to miss out on. Located in the Flying Star Plaza in Albuquerque’s North Valley at 4022-E Rio Grande Blvd. NW, you’ll see a bit of whimsy, lot’s of color, a beautiful shop, and of course a well-chosen collection of great product.

Posted By: Angela (loftshoppe@gmail.com)