Pattern Play

Today, I ventured over to Pottery Barn Kids in need of kiddo supplies. As a big fan of hearts of all kinds, my heart kinda stopped over these....

2016 POTTERY BARN KIDS 

Because I co-conceived these:

2012 PLATYPUS DESIGNER DUCT TAPE (the predecessor)

Coincidence? Hmmmm.....

These PBK hearts sure look similar to a 2012 "I Heart Tape" pattern co-conceived with my super fab client Platypus Designer Duct Tape. An upstart brand, I not only rebranded this company, but also led creative, marketing + PR efforts and new product development/assortment too.

Unlike the competition, our patterns were specifically designed to mix+match so that tapes would beautifully and seamlessly integrate for fashion-forward projects including wearables, jewelry/accessories, general crafting and DIY decorating. 

All led to national press as well as greater retail distribution, and expanded use of products, particularly within the home sector. 

For "inspiration," check out these super quick, budget-friendly ideas that uplevel, upcycle + uplift! Who can resist such easy, stylish improvement? Not me.

• Small bulletin board in "I Heart Tape" with bow in "Sour Apple Linen"
• Hair bow in "Pink Polka Dot"
• Magazine holder in "I Heart Tape"
• Cubby storage unit in "Picnic Gingham"
• Pencil cup in "Houndstooth" and "Denim"
• Pencils and clips in "Real Leopard," "Argyle," "Pink Polka Dot" + "Picnic Gingham"
• Bulletin board in "Grass," "Argyle" + "Sour Apple Linen"
• Picture frame in "Pool Chevron"
• Assorted covered boxes in "Jolly Roger" + more
• Paper bin in "I Heart Tape"

Platypus Designer Duct Tape. Make It With Tape.

Select patterns above include: Pink Polka Dot, Sour Apple Linen, Picnic Gingham, Houndstooth, Denim, Real Leopard, Argyle, Jolly Roger, Green Grass, Pool Chevron + I Heart Tape.

Street smart

Congrats to Rob Jordan, founder of Platypus Designer Duct Tape and inventor of colorfully patterned duct tape, as his awesome tape was included in today's WSJ! 

You can find it here within the Life & Culture section: "Tweens Say It With Duct Tape." 

The gist of the article is about tweens who strive to personalize and individualize their style by using a variety of crafting materials, thus rocking their own vibe.

One of my fave quotes: 

"Technology is driving kids' love of customization. Photos inspire them to try what others have posted on Instagram and Pinterest and provide a stage for showing off their own creations. Economic uncertainty has benefited crafting as well, because it promotes inexpensive, at-home activities. And young crafters are also recyclers, who like turning old tissue boxes into coin banks, and tatty T-shirts into fashion statements."

So true - and Platypus fans have been all over this trend! That's why Rob created chic, matte finish, horizontally and vertically seamless tape back in 2008. He wanted to stand out.

Whether handcrafting wallets, fashioning earrings, upleveling everyday household items or enhancing decor, one-of-a-kind, hand-making and beautifying has been a huge part of the Platypus DNA for the last couple years. His tape, he says, is "beautifully different."

And...despite what might be common assumption, Platypus patterns preceded the competition. But you know the old adage, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." And so it goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway...), way to craft a new market, Rob! 

Now that was "street" smart.

McGuire meets Platypus Designer Duct Tape

Talk about synchronicity! 

Two of my fantastic clients met in the most serendipitous way when McGuire Furniture Company contacted me to conceptualize a summer installation for its showroom in the San Francisco Design Center. Had to be something colorful, playful and artistic. 

Partnering with their internal team, we decided to use a most unexpected, but beautifully hip substrate to create our window display: Platypus Designer Duct Tape. 

Who would've thunk it - duct tape?

 

Well, there really was no other choice: McGuire is luxe. (Incredible craftsmanship, natural materials, subtle details, utmost comfort...). Platypus is chic. (No shiny finish here...it's matte, shows horizontally and vertically seamless pattens and is simply stylish.)

I was one happy girl. Two uber fabulous brands meet up for summertime fun in "the sun" - and I was glad to have a hand in it. 

Literally. Figuratively. 

It was a blast to craft.

-----

Now how 'bout those behind-the-scenes glamour shots....

 

  

Whoa - HGTV magazine + the Today Show!

What a month! 

Rad client Platypus Designer Duct Tape was included in both HGTV magazine and on the Today Show during a recent segment on upleveling home decor with colorful adhesive.

(Natalie Morales said that Platy's Paisley was her favorite pattern - and proceeded to cover her cast with it.)

I'm thinking that these ideas are going to stick....

We thank you!

Hooray - Rachel Ray spots Platypus Designer Duct Tape!

Hot off the press! 

I am so excited that my client Platypus Designer Duct Tape is included in the "Just Spotted" edit in the October issue.

Fun fact: Rob Jordan, head honcho over at Platypus, is the originator of patterned duct tape designs (that "other" company continues to mimic him down to the detail...). Platy's Pink Polka Dot - with its unique seamless matte finish - is totally chic + can be styled in so many ways. And very on trend this fashion season.

Purchase your stash at Spoonsisters.com (as indicated). Or you can visit DesignerDuctTape.com where each roll is a wee bit less expensive + sold for $5.95/per. There are 20 additional designs too. 

All of the patterns are meant to mix+match - ideal for crafting, decorating + entertaining. Check out Rob's "Rolling Right Along" blog for some fabulous - and easy - DIY ideas.

Big thank you, Rachael Ray, for making our day!

Press for Platypus!

Yipee! A smattering of recent press for my client Platypus Designer Duct Tape:

(To read more about my professional experience,click here.)

Now That's A Wrap!

These lovely gifts would make anyone's day brighter.

In addition to leading the marketing and creative direction for the brand, I styled these presents for the "Remake Christmas: Make it with Tape" holiday shoot (click here for our YouTube channel) for Platypus Designer Duct Tape.

You can create your own handmade packages too. Here's how:

~ Find modern + colorful gift wrap. These are from Paper Source in Palo Alto / San Francisco (you can also order it online).

~ Select a fun gift topper. These sorgeous handmade lollipops are from The Candy Store in San Francisco.

~ Make various styles of bows + then wrap with wide ribbon, crafted out of assorted Platypus Designer Duct Tape, of course!

My choices included:

~ Pink Polka Dot

~ Denim

~ Leopard

~ Wool Stocking

~ Houndstooth

I also gussied up the packages even further with some pretty French ribbon generously donated by Rob's mom, Louise Jordan. She was the "Production Assistant" on our holiday film shoot - and pretty much the best PA ever!

Now see, who can resist?

(Not me. I basically pulled an all-nighter at the Fortis Design warehouse in Raleigh, NC to make sure the film set and all of the styling was very "Martha." Oh, the things a girl will do in the name of Designer Duct Tape....It's not just for repair anymore.)

(To read more about my professional experience,click here.)

Perfect Stocking Stuffer: Platypus Designer Duct Tape!

Ho, ho, ho! The holidays are upon us. And so is the re-launch of Platypus Designer Duct Tape.

Based out of Raleigh, NC, not only is this client super fun to work with so is the product! A busy little bee I've been this autumn: I've rebranded the line (e.g., new brand identity and packaging); developed a tagline, created marketing materials; creative directed a brand new website design and conceptualized and personally styled two RAD holiday videos, shot by upstart and really fab filmmaking team of Kristin Brewer and Michael Sullivan at Taproot Films.

Great for crafting, decorating, repairing all sorts of things, the possibilities for upleveling are endless. Not only is this doubly strong, vibrantly colorful duct tape more durable and versatile than its competitors, it's vertically and horizontally seamless (unlike other tapes) so you can create small scale or large scale projects.

See the holiday magic for yourself...You won't believe your eyes!

(More YouTube video links here.)

Even better, I am in the throes of 2012 planning with Rob Jordan, head honcho over at Fortis Design, the parent company to Platypus Designer Duct Tape. New designs soon!

Find out more about Marketing Muse me and the team of Platypus People at DesignerDuctTape.com.

(To read more about my professional experience,click here.)

Am Stuck On....

Platypus Designer Duct Tape!

(I told you I have a cool client...love it!)

Sold at select Walmart, Amazon, Toys R Us, Kerr Drugs, Paper Source (etc.) across the U.S. + boutique retailers too, you can get your online here.

(To read more about my professional experience,click here.)