Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Getting Excited for Spring Shows

2015 is right around the corner. We are planning and finalizing our show displays and receiving the first of the the show catalogs like AmericasMart Atlanta where we were featured in their Worlds of Wonder picks. We are looking forward to showing you our new collections.



In Other Exciting News

Las Vegas market has a brand new section and in it...we have a brand new permanent showroom in Las Vegas! Help us inaugrate it by making it our most visited space ever. Come to Building C,  Showroom #502 and you can see how we have decked it out January 18–22. 

Where else to find us

We are all over the country in the spring. Check out our Trade show schedule on when and where to find us in Atlanta, Las Vegas, High Point and New York. And check back now and then as we might add a show or two. We might be near YOU.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Love for Wall Play


As we are designers/manufacturers/wholesalers...we are a step removed from the final customer of our products. We hear from store owners and interior designers that *their* customers love this or that, but we often do not get to hear directly from people who have the day-to-day experience with them. Of course that makes the times we *do* hear from people all the more special.

Sara wrote us about our gold 'Seed' Wall Play™. Her family's home had been featured in Austin Texas arts and culture magazine Tribeza. She took that opportunity to let us know what she thought of our modular little sculptures...
I randomly came across the wall play products and knew they were perfect for our space. We didn't want a painting but we wanted something with texture. The seeds are perfect and they were so easy to install. We walk by them every day and smile. I just love them.

Thank you for making such a cool product. I do boring technical work all day and I'm always so impressed with other peoples' creativity.

Keep creating!
Sara
Check out the article in the October issue of Tribeza. It starts on page 56. Their home is new construction but looks lived in...it offers high design but is child friendly. A great example of playful sophistication...something we can get behind 100%.


Gold Leaf in the News

This was a busy month for us here at Gold Leaf! We were featured in 4 magazines this month, and we're excited to share. Not to brag, but we're pretty proud of it.  




We're pleased to be in Hospitality Design Magazine with our ceramic Athena vases. The calming blue and geometric pattern makes this a beautiful accent piece. 





Home Accents Today featured our Organic Glass bowl in this issue. Each piece is carefully handmade, giving each a unique shape and variety in color. With flowers or candles inside, or even as a sculptural piece, this glass is perfect in any space. 



Look for us in Interior Design magazine this month too! Our seed Wall Play was used with customized versions of our enamel bowls to create a sophisticated retreat in the Jewel Suite. 




Social media brought us a new project as well! While browsing through pinterest (one of my favorite pastimes) we're always looking for interesting uses of our products. 

This amazing house in Krakow, Poland used our Ball Chain as a staircase accent piece. 


Look for our 4th feature in an upcoming blog post! 



Thursday, September 4, 2014

Running for a Good Cause


Gold Leaf's (co-)Big Kahuna will be running the Chicago Marathon again this year. It is his tenth Chicago Marathon!  As many of you already know, he runs to support a local AIDS services organization.  For the third year running (ha!) he is raising money for Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).  Our fundraising is very grassroots - this is not a large organized charity, Darren is the only person running the marathon for this organization, every penny raised goes directly to the services that TPAN provides.
Here's Darren: 
Over the 3 years that I have been volunteering with TPAN, I continue to be inspired by the difference they make in our community.  We have been working closely with local officials to bring education and counseling to the west side of Chicago.  This is the area where Gold Leaf is located, and it is a very underserved, underfunded area.
Please consider supporting us as we work to enhance our community. 100% of all donations go directly to AIDS education, counseling, testing and outreach. TPAN's mission is to empower everyone living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS to live open, healthy and productive lives.
To make a donation and support Darren's run, please visit his Marathon Page.

Charley Harper

Gold Leaf Design Group has always been heavily influenced by nature, and one of our favorite forms of inspiration can be found in the art of Charley Harper. His passion for the environment comes shining through in his artistic celebration of fish, fowl, insects and the niches they cohabit with humans in this modern world. In celebration of the life of Charley Harper, we’re currently highlighting our Charley Harper collection. For a limited time, every 6 birds you buy will get you an additional bird free. Buy 6 birds, get 7. Buy 12, get 14. And we do mean any Charley Harper bird. Mix and match to your heart’s content: any style, any material. See our whole collection.
Using graphic shapes and bold colors, Harper simplified complex elements, creating an utterly captivating style. Explaining how he arrives at his images, Harper said: “When I look at a wildlife or nature subject, I don’t see the feathers in the wings, I just count the wings. I see exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behavior and endless possibilities for making interesting pictures. I regard the picture as an ecosystem in which all the elements are interrelated, interdependent, perfectly balanced... and herein lies the lure of painting; in a world of chaos, the picture is one small rectangle in which the artist can create an ordered universe.” Learn more at this awesome video!






Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Look who else likes our Handmade Paper

Hospitality Design included our paper in the August issue in their "Prints and Patterns" Trends section. And then, while at NYNow, our papers caught the eye of Rug News and Design's writer Marjorie Hill who was Walking the Market.




As mentioned last time, we have six beautiful and versatile styles of paper rolls as well as five unique wall art pieces that are already framed and ready for hanging. Take a look at our site.

And...spoilers....we're looking to expand our offerings in the new year.
We can hardly wait to show you.


What to do with our paper?

Our paper always attracts a lot of attention at trade shows. People love the color, the detail, the texture, and more. Something we've heard (or overheard at times) is..

"It is so lovely...but what could I do with it?"

Rug News and Design mentioned a few options... Room Screen, Wallpaper, a backdrop for a shop display. All great ideas. We've been liking the three-dimensional aspect of displaying the paper in soft rolls. It drapes well with the grain. As you can see.

We love seeing what our customers do with our pieces. Recently we received a photo from ID Design in Cincinnati. Carol Grubb, one of the owners, had a home in Cincinnati's Homearama showcase. She used our Solar paper as a wall-mounted "headboard". We love it.



Monday, August 18, 2014

Sustainable Good Press

We were pleased to see our framed handmade paper included in Interior Design's Spring Market Tabloid. These striking pieces of art are Earth-friendly. We take recycled cardboard, newspaper, sawdust, pineapple fiber, banana fiber and grasses and use traditional Japanese paper making techniques to create a dimensional display of texture and pattern.

We have a variety of styles and sizes. We also have six styles of paper rolls that look great on walls, as shown by our friends at Clarke and Co Design.

The Spring Market Tabloid includes one of our Framed Handmade Paper Art wall hangings.





We also found our Woven Rubber Wall Art in the pages of Hospitality DesignHandcrafted from used rubber inner tubes reclaimed from the world’s abundant motorbikes and trucks. Each inner tube has served its purpose and has reached the end of its useful life…for transportation. Collected from repair shops and long distance truck depots, each inner tube has its own characteristics, identity and story. The rubber is cleaned, matched to each design, cut and then arranged into shape, creating a soft and durable outdoor safe piece of functional art. 

We have these sustainable products as both Round and Square versions. Check out all our Sustainable collections.




Thursday, August 14, 2014

20 Favorites by 20 Gold Leafers: 11 – 15


It's time for another 5! To continue our 20th year celebration, we thought we'd quiz Gold Leafers on what their current favorite 2014 catalog item is and why. We'll be collecting these favorites on our website. You can also check out the previous 5.  


"I like the raw-nature look of it mixed with the modern legs. it has a midcentury look to it."

12. Amanda: Wood Ring Sculptures
"I love the variety in the woodgrain. It's a beautiful accent piece."

13. Cathy: Custom Redwood
"I like the versatility. They can be used in so many different ways; it's simple, sculptural and looks amazing."

14. Patricia: Seed Wall Play 
"I like how colorful they are! They POP!" 

15. Robert: Patchwork Owls
"It's very colorful, and I like that."




Monday, July 7, 2014

20 Favorites by 20 Gold Leafers: 6 – 10

It's time for another 5! To continue our 20th year celebration, we thought we'd quiz Gold Leafers on what their current favorite 2014 catalog item is and why. We'll be collecting these favorites on our website. You can also check out the previous 5.  


"I like the versatility. They really pop."

"It's sexy and fun."

8. Denny: Patchwork Heron
"I like the pattern. I have them in my yard."

9. Sherry: Ball Sway
"It reminds me of Christmas ornaments!"

10. Erin: Sunset Geo Trays
"They remind me of going on a safari. I love the color."

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

20 Favorites by 20 Gold Leafers: 1 – 5


Did you see our Birthday Video? We had a lot of fun making it, but really loved hearing from everyone who decided to drop us a line after seeing it. Some were new customers and some were blasts from the past. All were appreciated...so thanks.

To continue our 20th year celebration, we thought we'd quiz Gold Leafers on what their current favorite 2014 catalog item is and why. We'll be collecting these favorites on our website. 

"I'm a graphic designer and I've always been fond of Charley Harper's illustrations. The Baffling Belly bird is probably my favorite of the ones we have."

2. Keiana: Fiberglass Ducks
"I think they are playful, colorful, and cute....just like me!"

"They are such a great concept. I love how modular the square ones are, they let me fit any space. And as a bonus, they are recycled."

4. Rachel: Ginga Sculptures
"I like that they are abstract and eco friendly...made of discarded metals."

5. Sarahrose: Discus Column Towers
"I'm not sure why, exactly...but but they always catch my eye when I come across them in the catalog or in the warehouse."

I am Gold Leaf: Sherry

Sherry in her own words...

My background is in interior design. I got started in Pennsylvania, working as a freelance designer, for about 15 years. What really gave me the push was my neighbors would come into our house, and ask me who our designer was! Before that, I lived in Australia for 14 years. The people were my favorite thing about living there, and the climate and beaches were beautiful.

I specialize in meeting my client's needs in a variety of styles. My experience at Gold Leaf has led me to working with larger hotel chains and customizing hospitality projects. My day-to-day activities include lots of phone calls and emails, then working with our production staff to create amazing works of art that look stunning in any setting.

Working at Gold Leaf, I enjoy having new kinds of projects every day. I'm constantly astounded by what we're able to do to meet our client's specifications. 


THE OFFICIAL GOLD LEAF QUIZ...

Name: Sherry Zwinklis
Title: Design Project Manager

My typical day starts at: 6:00 am
My typical day involves: Corresponding with my hotels and purchasing agents, scheduling, quoting, reporting, routing, and shipping. 

FAVORITES
Favorite season: Fall
Favorite Band/Singers: Flo Rida
Favorite quote: Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.
Favorite magazine: Veranda
I would have liked to have met: Theodore Roosevelt
Favorite TV show: Scandal

TRIVIA
My top three hobbies / interests...Paddle Boarding, Sailing, Swimming
When no one is looking, I... make fun of people. 
I wish I had more... time and money. 
My ideal day would include: Brunch by the water, and then go for a sail in the afternoon. 
How many tattoos do you have? 0
How many scars do you have?  1

EITHER/OR
Peanut Butter....Crunchy or Smooth​? Smooth
Talker or Listener? Listener
Pencil or Pen? Pen
Beatles or Elvis? Beatles
Chocolate or Vanilla?​ Chocolate

Saturday, June 21, 2014

One of Gold Leaf’s finest is now America’s finest!


June 18-19, 2014
from Allan Howze
We have just completed personal visitation with Changil for 2 days at the US Army Base, Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Changil (CJ) worked with us this year and part of last. We were so glad to be there for Changil's award and his graduation. Hopefully, his Korean friends will help translate parts of this for his family and many friends still in Korea.
Darren and I traveled from Chicago to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for Changil's Army Basic Combat Training Graduation (BCT).  Wow, it was an emotional, learning and 'eye opening' experience.  Being an American is so often taken for granted.  For our friends in South Korea and the world over, I'm sure it is the same.  I request everyone to visit an Armed Forces graduation.  The amount of dedication and hardship our Soldiers are confronted with is incredible.  Most of us would simply give up immediately.  Changil did not give up.  He is an amazing person and has a good heart and soul.  His family is sure to be very, very proud of him.  You have taught him well!  It has been 10 weeks since anyone has had actual communication with him.  No phones, but an occasional letter.  We wrote often to offer support and try to lessen the depression he would feel.  Now, we get to visit with him for 2 days (Family Day and Graduation).
Family Day (9 a.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2014) started with about 500 graduating men and women marching and getting into formation.  It was about 95° F (35° C), a very bright and sunny day with 80% humidity (Changil says that he never will live in South Carolina, US because of the intense heat, humidity and memories of his sweaty hot training in the sun every day, LOL).  The new soldiers were divided into different groups called 'Companies'.  Changil was in Bravo Company which is known to be the hardest and most strict of any Company.  We couldn't see him in his group.  It was then announced about 27 new Soldiers would become citizens of the United States at this moment.  And, there he was, 5th row, center.  Very thin, very dark skin tanned and no hair.  Everyone must choose their life's path.  Changil did this and he has worked extremely hard to get what he wanted.  Although, he still has a long journey ahead.  Changil is now a United States citizen!

It was then announced that visitors could go down and find their Soldiers on the field.  As we walked down the steps, JEONG, as he is called by all, sees us.  He gave his usual big smile.  We reached him and of course he was overjoyed.  His first request to us was to quickly take him and get the HELL away from this place.  LOL.  We don't blame him.  He has had no privacy and quietness for 10 weeks.  Changil’s day begins at 4 a.m. and ends at 9 pm with lights out.  Sometimes the soldiers would only get 3 or less hours of sleep at night.  We could now take him anywhere on the army base ONLY and be with him without his drill sergeants screaming at him.  First,  he led us to his barracks where he shared living quarters with about 50 other young men.  His bed was the top ‘bunk bed’, bed #45.  He had a nice wide locker for his 3 uniforms, boots (that he cleaned for 2 days) and a few personal items.  He got his cell phone back and activated it from the 10 week rest.
We had a rental car and took him to stores on base to purchase new Army pants because his existing pants were much too large for him after he lost so much weight.  Then, we shared his first meal with him...Popeye’s fried chicken, a 16 piece family meal.  LOL.  Everywhere we went was a ‘culture shock’ for him because he was not allowed these privileges for the past 10 weeks.  We spent the entire day updating him with World News, friends and listened to interesting stories of his experiences.  Soldiers are denied access to any outside news because this would only cause distraction for the soldiers.  It was hard for him and hard for all soldiers.  He said many times that he couldn't believe that the 10 weeks had ended.  10 weeks seemed much longer because of the tireless and endless training he had completed.  He misses everyone and the life he used to have.  But, he must now think and be a soldier.  The day passed too quickly and we drove him to his barracks for his 20:00 check-in (8:00 pm).  We said our good night and then left base.

Today is Graduation Day (9 a.m., June 19, 2014).  After the Graduation Ceremonies, we get to check Changil out and drive away OFF the Army base camp.  We see CJ marching forward in the center of all graduates, first row.  He is to get an award!  During his gun training, he hits all 40 targets and scores a PERFECT SCORE of 40 out of 40!  He is the only one out of all 500 graduates and the ONLY one to do this in 3 years at this Army Base!!!  HE IS NOW KNOWN AS 'HAWKEYE' BY THE ARMY AND ALL GRADUATES.  He truly is a celebrity now.  Everyone knows his name!  Wherever we went, other soldiers would say to their families "this is the guy I told you about, he is Hawkeye".   This was incredible to experience because Changil has touched the lives of people more than the 500 graduates.  But, also their families!  Incredible.  After a while, Changil felt the need to run away from all of the ‘movie star’ atmosphere because he couldn’t relax.
After graduation, we helped to complete his requests.  They are (IN ORDER)...Starbucks (he hasn't had coffee), Target Store (personal shopping store for face creams, sun block, laundry soap...), + a few small stores.  CJ is very tanned and dark now from hours and days in the sun.  Next, was a McDonald’s lunch complete with 20 pieces of chicken nuggets and soft serve ice cream.  The ice cream became too sweet because he hasn’t had anything really sweet for 10 weeks.  It is now about 2 p.m. in the afternoon and we had about 7 hours remaining before we had to give Changil back to the Army at 21:10 (9:10 p.m.).  We spent the rest of the day relaxing in quietness.  He really needed to just get away from everything.  We took him to our hotel where he could watch TV, listen to music, rest, and shower in peace without anyone around.  Showering with 50 guys fighting for water was not fun.
At 9:10 p.m. we had Changil back at his post for check-in.  Families and friends said their last goodbyes.  And then, it began all over again.  The soldiers were called to attention for line up.  Check in was completed, they were updated with tomorrows activities and told to go to bed.  We waived goodbye with no wave back because he couldn’t.  Tomorrow, we leave for our trip back to Chicago.  CJ will begin his transfer to AIT (Advanced Individual Training) at 6 a.m. at the same Army Base in South Carolina for 8+ weeks.  Many soldiers will be transferred to other Army bases across the US.  Changil is due to graduate from AIT in mid-August.  AIT will teach Changil his Army job for the next 4 years where he will be stationed at any Army base in the US or abroad.
Changil and our troops need your support!  Remember that our freedom is special and exists because of our armed forces.
We will soon have CJ’s new mailing address for those who want it.
Allan

Friday, June 20, 2014

Travelling with Gold Leaf


Summer is here, though you would not know it by the weather. It has been struggling to reach 70 degrees for the last couple of weeks, but now we are seeing some warmth. I suppose we'll be missing the cool weather in August after our eleventy-billionth 90+ day. In thinking about summer, we think about travel. Gold Leaf Design Group's creations can be found the world over...

Looking for some place warm and languid? For the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort, we created a custom wall installation for their beachside dining space. Or maybe a historic Italian village complete with crypts and caves is more your taste? Chicago architect Patrizio Fradiani created a whimsical Wall Play™ installation as part of the spectacular Domus Civita. If either location would like me to come in as a "consultant" to inspect the work, I'm sure I could be convinced.



Monday, May 19, 2014

Happy 20th Birthday Gold Leaf!



May 19, 2014

Can it really be 20 years?  Although it seems like only yesterday, when we stop to look back, it is incredible to see all that we have accomplished.  Thank you to all of our friends and family, clients and customers, supporters and fans, staff past and present.  Our journey has been long (and often hard), but worth every minute.  Having you on this journey has made it possible and worthwhile.  Thanks.

We have had the opportunity to travel the globe, provide opportunities for individuals and communities, connect people to the natural world, remind us that in this fast-paced life, enhancing our environment adds an immeasurable quality to our daily lives.  Through our products, designs, and business practices, we strive to have a positive impact on the lives touched by Gold Leaf Design Group.

There are so many days walking into work, that Allan and I are in awe of all that has been accomplished.  Seeing employees that have been with us through thick and thin for 10 years, 15 years, 17 years.  Or our crew that has been with us over the last couple of years, propelling us out of the economic downturn ensuring a solid and strong future.  Or our clients, many that have been with us since the early days, sharing in our accomplishments and rooting for us along the way.  We are truly humbled by your encouragement and commitment to our success.  We do not take any of this for granted.  We are here today because of you, our Gold Leaf community. 

Thank you for an incredible, awe-inspiring, outrageous, unpredictable, lively, fun, stressful, exciting, hard, creative and unimaginable 20 years!  Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!! And, here's to 20 more!

Darren


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Gold Leaf in Las Vegas

We are in Las Vegas at the HD Expo (Booth 4161...stop by if you are around!). After some challenges in set-up we're excited to be meeting people and showing off some of our unique artifacts, custom work, and some experiments that yielded some fun results.

Of course, it isn't all work. We have to step out to eat...sometimes. We visited the Steampunk-influenced RX Boiler Room at Mandalay Bay and look what we found there...our Mirrored Animal Trophies. They look great.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Gold Leaf on Michigan Avenue

Spring has finally sprung, though it seems like it has turned into summer, at least for today. Hopefully it cools back down a bit so that we can enjoy mild weather and walk along the Lake. Or maybe Michigan Avenue where Gold Leafer (and recent mom) Jess found our Wire Circle Balls. They were included as part of the work of McFarlane Douglass and Companies. Thanks for making our walks lovely guys.


Did you see us in April?

The April Home Accents Today included our resin agate boxes. These great and colorful boxes come in two sizes and three colors...and all of them are gift boxed. They would look great on a shelf, desk, or wardrobe.


Wednesday, April 30, 2014

I am Gold Leaf: SarahRose

Sarah Rose in her own words...

Yes, my first name is SarahRose :)  This is only my second winter here in Chicago. I grew up in southern California and earned my BA in History at University of California, Santa Cruz...the most beautiful campus...right in the middle of the forest and looking out to Monterey Bay. I am a Founding Mother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi, Delta Chapter.

After graduating, I returned to SoCal and earned my Certificate in Interior Design from UCLA Extension, and will have my Master of Interior Architecture from Cal Poly this spring. I have been working in the world of custom for four years. My experience is in designing custom window treatments, bedding ensembles,  and re-upholstery.  Fabrics with beautiful patterns and colors, and those final touches of trim are my world!  I’ve also worked as an Interior Design Assistant this last year in Chicago...which was fantastic. I can draw construction drawings, or render your room in 3D.

Working at Gold Leaf, I’m surrounded with all new mesmerizing materials. Don’t quiz me on the plethora of echeveria yet, but I can definitely help design the perfect arrangement for a project!


THE OFFICIAL GOLD LEAF QUIZ...

Name: SarahRose Henkin
Title: Design Project Manager

My typical day starts at: 8:30 am
My typical day involves: Quotes, client consultations, quotes, production meetings, and more quotes

FAVORITES
Favorite season: Fall – I love the changing color of leaves to bright yellow against a bright blue sky
Favorite Singers are: Alanis Morissette, Tori Amos, Ani DiFranco
Favorite quote is: Think outside the box
Favorite design period: French Neoclassical  with soft pastels, Marie Antoinette blue, Louis XVI chairs , gold gilding, not to forget the beautiful fashion
Favorite period in history: Around the American Revolution, the founding of our country is inspiring.   Plus, the stately architecture of the Federal Style.

TRIVIA
My top three hobbies / interests...Interior Design, Music, Crafting
I wish I had more... time in a day!
Place I have to see with my own eyes…The Palace of Versailles and Le Petit Trianon
What inspires me?  Beautiful colors, pattern, and design
Place to visit: Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello

EITHER / OR
Peanut Butter....Crunchy or Smooth​? Smooth
Talker or Listener? Mmm it depends
Pencil or Pen? Pen
Beatles or Elvis? Beatles, I even took a class in college :)
Chocolate or Vanilla?​ Vanilla