In Praise of Spill Studio
Ta-da! Pour yourself a cup of coffee and settle in for a minute. I have some things to say.
Today is my birthday and the inauguration of this stunning banner designed by my sister, Naomi Cox, of Spill Studio. This #@*&ing great illustration is hers, too. Our family really tries not to abuse her illustration and designing skills, so we plot and plan about what to ask for on birthdays or Christmas. Since we were little (and she was making her own fashion catalogs) we've been calling on her style and artistry for recipe cards, poetry booklets, menus, Christmas cards, business cards, birth announcements. So this banner is my birthday gift, and I've been dying to unveil it.
Naomi is a meticulous and incredibly creative designer. To make this banner, she scanned in patterns from my treasured apron, a motif from my favorite bowl, and recipe cards that I've given her over the years. She wanted it to have a feeling of energy, improvisation, movement, and simple pleasures (clearly she's observed me in the kitchen for many years!). So it's beautiful and packed with meaning and personality. There's the product, but the feeling of being known is even more priceless. I know Naomi is this way with all her clients (even if they don't happen be her sister). That's what make her such a good designer.
About recipe cards--seems like I hardly write, receive, or exchange them anymore. That used to be one of the ways women shared with one another. But here's the thing--women all over the place--indeed, all over the world--are exchanging tips and resources. We may not be writing on recipe cards, but we're building websites for each other, passing out business cards, commenting on one another's blogs, giving money, watching each other's kids, forming non-profits and collectives of all sorts, and meeting on playgrounds or in board rooms in powerful ways. I can't believe the amount of connection that has happened just because of this one blog. I'm proud and in awe of it. I'm starting to figure out that community is the "what-for" in everything I do, including this blog. Creating the newest recipe or taking a perfect photo doesn't float my boat--if those things help you tune in and connect with one another or think about your work in the world in new ways, that's what floats my boat.
Naomi launches her new website today, and, as a little birthday shout-out for me, I would love for you to visit. Leave a comment on her blog, send an email praising this banner, or refer a friend who needs to get the word out about something they're doing. And take a minute to remember all the women who make your life meaningful and rich. On my 35th birthday, I'm humbled to be surrounded by such loving (and ass-kicking women). The world needs us, and we're ready.
P.S. It's with a twinge of sadness that I retire my old banner, which was Wyatt's sweet handwriting spelling "Food Blog."
P.S.S. I could just as well have devoted this posting to Priya, who has been up in the wee hours making all the other design changes. See what I mean about amazing women?
June 15, 2009
Reader Comments (30)
(Singing to self)
Karaoke is the best. Feel free to tip your waitstaff on the way out.
By the way, HAPPY FREAKING BIRTHDAY! So glad to have you in my life. :virtual smooches:
happy, happy birthday ms. sarah!! i hope you get a plethora of comments as a bday gift.
AND the banner, the new colors/layout, and post are all fantastic!! kudos to each of you amazing women.
bday smooches coming from this direction also. (now i'm off to bed....)
I forgot in my vanity to say "WOWZAS to Naomi for such an incredible banner!". It's full of life and energy, and I think it's so very much who Sarah is. I love that you layered all of those memories and ideas into one comprehensive image that captures Sarah so well.
Absolutely love it.
Happy birthday, sister! Your post just brought me to tears. Wow. What an accomplishment for both of us this year! You are so gifted. May this year bring you even more abundant blessings, friendship and success! Thank you for the write-up — I appreciate it! You are so kind. Priya, the site looks FANTASTIC! Hope you get some rest today. Sarah, have a fun toddler-free day!
Sarah-Happy Birthday! I look forward to checking your food blog WHENEVER I can, and I opened today to a new layout. The story behind it is awesome, and it is neat to read about your connection with your sister. You are both awesome ladies. I would still like some of your business cards to pass around michigan:) Give those sweet kids a squeeze for me.
Happy Happy Birthday Sarah. Praying for you today - that you would have a fun filled day and be surrounded by those that love you and celebrate your day! Great new banner - off to visit Naomi's site. Blessings, Beth D
Happy Birthday! Your site looks great - congrats!
Happy birthday Sarah! Your cooking prowess and finesse came up in conversation last night, as it always does when anyone mentions good food. "I just made the best pasta yesterday." "Oh really? My friend Sarah makes the best pasta salads you've ever had...You should check out her blog." I've heard this conversation many times-- a tribute to your writing and cooking skill(z). Oh, and by the way, you've been nominated to create a Bethany cookbook! Good luck...!
Happy Birthday Sarah! Wow, 35?? How did you get so much wisdom in so few years? I love the site & your new banner. Nice job to everyone involved in making this happen. Will I ever learn to stop looking at your blog when I'm starving? Can't wait to try the peanut butter cookies, the mango chicken salad, and anything with rhubarb in it! Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday Sarah Barah! I love the sister love between you and Naomi and I hope and pray my girls will feel the same way about each other when they're all grown up. Wishing you a fantastic birthday. Thank you for the many gifts you give to the people in your life...
Happy birthday! I hope you had a fabulous day. And I love the new design. It's perfect!
Wow! It's beautiful. I haven't been reading for long, but it seems to perfectly capture the mood of the blog in a visual way. Happy birthday!
Beautiful!
Love all this creative, loving input and output.
My favorite comment of the day is PDS #1 singing Carly Simon. I laughed out loud here at work. Nice one Priya.
Happy Birthday!! Gorgeous new banner :)
Oh, Sarah, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and what a wonderful, loving sister-talent gift! What a gorgeous accomplishment! You are a rare gift yourself, you know, and I'm glad I'll still be able to view the Wyatt-writing and the lemons; they've been a daily smile for me! Hope your birthday is everything you could hope and/or dream, and thanks so much for being so YOU! I've met your marvelous parents, not sure I've met Naomi, but maybe that day will come! Nice going! Birthday blessings!
Lynn
Happy Birthday, Sarah! Now I'm thinking...I really must go get in touch with my sister!
Happy birthday Sarah! You site looks fabulous and thanks for passing along Naomi's site. Her stuff is beautiful...and so is yours! What a talented pair you are. Thanks to both of you for sharing!
happy birthday to you! i think i've exhausted all the technological ways to say happy birthday to you now. what a beautiful new site! naomi, fantastic job. you are both so talented...coming from such a talented family. you are truly one of my life's greatest treasures.
Sarah~ Happy Birthday!
Naomi~ I love the new banner!
Happy Birthday Leftoverist!
It's hard to believe 35 years ago you had never tasted a chili flake,mango or avocodo. We didn't even have a TV,nor were computers in households. "Youve come along way baby".
Thanks for being such an incredible leader, and for caring so deeply about things that really matter,and being willing to share those things with us all.
I can assure you we will continue to "float your boat"
Lovely tribute to Naomi.(Naomi you couldn't have captured Sarah's spirit any better,or more artfully)
Way to go girls. I love you bunches, and am so proud of both of you!
P.S. I hope you get leftover cake for breakfast.
Hello everyone! It's been a very eventful day, with lots of birthday phone calls and LOTS of sweet well-wishes here. I've been gone all day, and came home to the treat of reading all your comments. THANK YOU for tuning in and helping make my day so memorable. I'm going to bed (early!) feeling 100% loved and celebrated.
LOL! You are the best and hope that one of these days I will get to meet you in person!
Great job!
P.S.S. Love the picture of Naomi and Hannah-Mae.
Naomi, this banner is incredible! I love that you have made it so personal...it definitely makes you a true artist!
Happy Birthday to you!