Talented friends...

One of my favorite parts of this trip is always seeing other artist friends who I only see once a year 

AND meeting new designer friends.
So here's a recap...it may take all week or longer to show you what I saw in fabulous NYC!
Of course there was my awesome roomie, Sharyn Sowell
who whipped up this amazing calligraphy and gave it to me as a gift.
It's in the studio now and will be framed and treasured always....
thank you sweet friend!

Sharyn's friend and mine too now (although I regret not getting enough time with her)
Barb Tourtillotte.
Beautiful art Barb...so great to see you again!

We took a break from booth set up Saturday and had

"Saturday Sandwiches" with several artist friends. 

We al love in different parts of the country and it's neat to take a breather 

and just rejuvenate and catch up before getting back to work.

Below left to right: me, Cindy Ann Ganaden, Megan Halsey, Jane Shasky, 

Sharyn Sowell, Beth Logan and down low Melanie Hall

I just loved getting to know Cindy Ann...she is a doll and incredibly talented. 

Juggling motherhood and design work like me so good connection in that department too.

Miss you already Cindy Ann...I mean Mrs. Pantene!

I called her that because she has the most amazing hair and I kept telling her 

she should do a Pantene commercial!

Here in Megan's booth with Megan Halsey and Melanie Hall!

Sweet and talented women who have illustrated numerous children's books. 

Check out their websites linked above near the group picture.

My booth neighbor and first time exhibitor Laura Dro.

She did so well and manufacturers were extremely interested in her designs for a variety of products.

 I was so thrilled to have her nearby!

Miss you too Laura!

My old booth neighbors from last year from left to right 

Kate Spain (amazingly talented and super nice)

Jeremiah and Breanne Simpson 

(married and live right there in Manhattan with sweet new baby who I got to see!)

You'll have to check out their blog and see how she ran into Will Smith recently in Soho....funny story.

and my wonderful friends Karen Cotchett and Julie Murphy (sisters) 

and the brains behind

jack and lulu

It was so great to have them just down the isle from me!

My funny and talented friend Jill Seale 

who calls Charlotte, NC home as well.

Met Leigh Standley of Curly Girl for the first time and we had a great chat. 

She's lovely oh so talented and I am thrilled to be among her company designing for Demdaco. 

By the way....the Multiple Blessings line for Demdaco launches January 2012!

Cannot wait to show you what we've been developing together!

Kind of blurry below for some reason but honored to call Anna Griffin a friend. 

She gave me advice early on about the licensing industry

 and I tend to listen to smart, successful women like her. 

It's always good to see her in Atlanta and in New York.

Here at the Surtex party (more on that later) but with new friends left to right

Jessica Swift ...soooooooo sweet and talented! Loved hanging out with her!

Cindy Ann Ganaden again (amazing as I already mentioned)

Khristian A. Howell (we met by e-mail before the show but she is one super smart designer with a neat background and lots of experience!) 

and to her right Niki, her design assistant who was also very nice.

and more Charlotte friends and designers who came by to see me!

Ashley Higson and Teri Puma who do licensing work with M. Middleton.

And we ended the show with a celebratory dinner!

I was so honored to be included in this mix of talent 

and able to visit about personal things and talk product development too. 

Such amazing women!

More to come, believe it or not.

And I am swimming upstream against a heavy current of follow up!

Have a beautiful week!

xoxo,

Caroline