July 24, 2013

being a do-gooder- one percent for the planet

I've been in business almost 2 years now and it's been an amazing ride. I didn't know what to expect when I started designing patterns and started this blog. So far Happy Habitat has had some good press, some great partnerships with companies such as Fab.com, One Kings Lane and Joss & Main, I've put out 2 catalogs and added baby blankets to my product line. It's still just me here. I am Happy Habitat's customer service representative, salesperson, designer, owner, finance associate, public relations, administrative assistant, CEO, shipping expert, social media strategist, and writer. I'm not great at all those things and I don't enjoy each of those jobs, but it does make for good variety. I would prefer to be just designer and owner. But there is some satisfaction with learning something new. I think because this is my baby, I'm scared to let any of it be out of my hands so instead of paying someone, I figure out how to do it myself. I suppose that's the practical side of me too. Maybe there will come a day when I can't do it all, but for now it works.

Back to the point of this-- I had told myself when I was first designing products that there had to be some good in my business. It was an immediate win for me to have my patterned throws made from recycled cotton-- a perfect fit. Bright colors, washable, family friendly, made in the USA and helping out mother nature. Keeping with that theme-- I'm partnering with 1% for the Planet. I'm not exactly rolling in the riches here, but I can handle giving 1% of my income to causes that help Earth. Did Jack Johnson persuade me to join? Maybe a little. Does giving back feel good? Yep. Am I proud to have this logo on my website? For sure.


Find out more by watching this cool video or check out their website.

(Side note: I have not decided which non-profit I'm going to be donating to yet, but when I do, I'll make sure and update.)

Thanks for reading and buying and supporting Happy Habitat!

July 15, 2013

Happy Habitat + Young House Love = GIVEAWAY!

Remember this cute room from Young House Love

Sherry and John did such a beautiful job with the Fuego Throw in their little girl's playroom that I wanted to partner with them  for a giveaway-- and it's happening NOW. Git yo'self over there for your chance to win a Happy Habitat Eco Throw AND Letter Pillow.

July 14, 2013

cross + trend


Emily Henderson's Living Room
Is anyone else seeing these plus signs everywhere? Or are they shortend crosses? About 2 years ago my friend Annie asked me to make a cross throw (she's always so ahead of her time). I couldn't because I didn't get it. Is it just a design, or does it mean something? A symbol that's making a point: Help people? Jesus? Additon? Peace? I know, I'm reading WAY too much into it, but it is very well known as being the symbol for the American Red Cross:
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Switzerland's Flag:
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So I felt like it was making some kind of statement. I think I've gotten over it, and any association that comes with it is at least a peaceful and kind one. Something about the symplicity is nice. Will this be a lasting trend? Do I need to make a cross blanket? These sure are cool:
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And these little cuties are what got me thinking about all this cross business again:
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The baby blanket sure is adorable, and you know I'm a sucker for triangles:

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Passing trend? Or modern design staple?

July 06, 2013

New Triangle Happy Habitat Eco Throws

Made some new colors for the Triangle Throw:

happy habitat modern pattern cotton eco blanket
Bubble Gum + Sunny

modern geometric eco cotton blanket
Coral + Mint
I love these brights, but I'm still partial to the classic gold and black. Maybe just because it's in Emily's room. Maybe just because it just seems to fit right. Want to see a specific pattern in a different color than I show-- just email me! I'm happy to try out a new color! 

Like the new Triangle Throw summer colors? Get 'em here.