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Mindful Tips for Sustainable Living

A few weeks ago, I sent out a survey asking for feedback on my website, including content ideas they’d be interested in seeing on the blog. I was so happy to receive an overwhelming amount of responses that asked for a blog post around sustainability.

As humans, we have caused so much detrimental change to this planet – and unfortunately, we’re really starting to see the effects of what we’ve done in the past and what we’re collectively still doing. We are the caretakers of this planet, and it’s imperative that we’re mindful about our lifestyle choices in order for future generations to explore and enjoy all of earth’s beauty as we’ve been so lucky to do. It’s a big job, and one that must be taken seriously. I know the individual changes we make can sometimes seem small, but together we can make a big difference. There’s no going back or undoing what has been done, but we all must make sacrifices in our lives, so we can preserve what we do have left here on earth. Hold yourself and other accountable. We can all do better.

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This list isn’t exhaustive, but here are some ways to start living more mindfully in your daily life. You can also reference my blog post on how to reduce waste and plastic use for more ideas. What are some sustainable practices that you’ve incorporated into your lifestyle? Let me know in the comments!

Around the Haus

Turn off appliances: Save energy by turning off appliances when they’re not in use. If you can, it’s best to completely unplug them so that no energy is wasted.
Use energy-efficient light bulbs: Although these cost a little more than regular light bulbs, they end up saving you money over their lifetime because they use less energy. You can find LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) next to regular light bulbs at most stores. Before you turn on a lamp, always consider whether you can open some window blinds instead. Natural light is the best!

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Find new life for things: Once something is no longer usable for its original purpose, consider whether it can serve another one before you throw it away. Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning small spaces, old T-shirts can be used as cleaning cloths, and newspapers can be saved for kindling or a messy art project. That’s one of my favorite aspects of the Wu Haus candles: once the candle’s done, the vessel can be reused for whatever your heart desires. If there’s anything you no longer want but is still in working or good condition, offer it to a friend or donate it to your local thrift store so that it can have another life in someone else’s home.
Use A/C sparingly: To save energy, consider letting your house get a little cooler in the winter and a little warmer in the summer than you normally would. In the winter, I like to snuggle up in blankets and warm socks before I consider turning on the heat. I don’t have central air conditioning, but I help stay cool in the summer by opening windows at night to let the breeze in, drinking iced beverages and eating cooling foods like salads and fruits.

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Use eco-friendly cleaning products: Buy only natural cleaning products that don’t use harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. Avoid products that include phosphates, chlorine, ammonia and petroleum distillates. To reduce plastic use, find a product that comes in a concentrate. That way you can pour a little into a reusable spray bottle and add water, rather than buying several spray bottles for the same amount of use. I absolutely love Saint Olio and only use their products for cleaning my haus. The founder (who also happens to live down the street from me!), Sherri Kaven, uses essential oils to naturally scent her cleaning products, which also have disinfectant properties of their own. Her line comes in four amazing scents – citron, neroli, sitka and her new limited-edition Aromatic Cleaner with fragrant notes of lime, ginger and greenery. Her products smell so dang good that they actually inspire me to clean. I use the cleaner concentrate to clean everything in my haus, which makes cleaning a total breeze.
Go paperless: Switch to paperless billing where you can, opt for e-vites over paper invites, and keep notes on your phone or computer instead of notebooks. I don’t live hard and fast by this rule: I love journaling and the meditative act of writing. Just consider where you’re comfortable with going paperless to minimize waste.
Recycle + compost: I am so fortunate to live in a city that has both recycling and composting programs. For those who don’t, I recommend researching what programs are available in your area and see if there’s an affordable option to consider. Another suggestion would be to start a petition to bring these programs to your area.

In the Kitchen

Buy in bulk: Reduce plastic use by shopping from the bulk section of your grocery store or at farmers’ markets.
Choose paper, glass or aluminum over plastic (which can leach toxic chemicals into your food, often doesn’t actually get recycled, and takes hundreds of years to decompose). This is definitely easier said than done sometimes. So much of what we buy comes in plastic, but it’s good to be mindful of our consumption. To cut down on product packaging, buy in bulk and also try to make food items like broths, dips, etc. yourself at home.

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Be a mindful meat eater: As you may know, I was a vegetarian for many years before reintroducing meat back into my diet. I still live a plant-based lifestyle, but do buy and eat meat occasionally. When I do, I make sure that I am buying locally and from a farm with ethical, sustainable practices, including providing a healthy environment for their livestock and not using harmful pesticides on crops. It takes some research before you head to the grocery store, but it’s well worth it. You may also consider buying your meat from the farmers’ market, where you’re able to ask them questions directly.
Eat local: This is good for so many reasons. The food is fresher, you’re supporting your local community, and your food doesn’t have to travel hundreds of miles, meaning it has a smaller carbon footprint. If you have the time and space, I encourage you to start growing some of your favorite herbs and veggies. It’s so rewarding to work with the land and eat what you’ve grown!

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Don’t buy bottled water: If you need filtered water, get a water filtration system rather than buying bottled water. My Walter water filter has provided our family with clean drinking water for years! Use code WUWALTER for $20 off anything in the shop (excludes all black WALTER). When traveling to countries where I can’t drink the tap water, I use my GRAYL purifying water bottle.
Use reusable bags, produce bags + storage containers: Use tote bags for groceries, mesh bags for your produce, and reusable glass containers for leftovers and storage rather than their plastic counterparts.

On the Road

Bike, walk, bus or carpool: THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. We all need to drive wayyyyyyy less. Biking or walking to work/happy hour/etc. is a great way to sneak some exercise into your life while promoting sustainability. For longer distances, consider public transportation or carpooling with a friend or coworker.
Keep your car serviced: For those who do need to drive their car, make sure you’re getting it serviced regularly and addressing any issues that come up. When cars aren’t working optimally, they become less efficient and can waste fuel. When the time comes to get a new car, consider investing in an electric car or a hybrid.
Reconsider souvenirs: When I’m on vacation, I only like to get souvenirs that I know I’m going to use or enjoy regularly, like a special piece of jewelry or ceramic piece. I generally avoid getting anything that I know will end up in a corner, dusty and forgotten over time. Sometimes the only thing I bring home with me from trips are pictures, which provide way more memories and nostalgia than a shot glass ever could. Less is more.

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Stay green: Living that hotel life can be a major luxury, but just because you’re not at home doesn’t mean you should stop living sustainably. A lot of hotels now offer you the option to not receive new towels and sheets daily. You may also look into accommodations that are known for their sustainable practices, including those that offer plastic-free toiletries and recycling services.
Pack your travel mugs + metal straws: There is so much unnecessary waste involved with drinks on the go, and it can all be avoided by bringing your own mug and/or water bottle and reusable straw. I bring my bkr water bottle and Hydroflask travel mug on every trip, so I stay hydrated and can get my daily matcha fix without excessive waste.

For Your Closet

Invest in high-quality clothes: There is so much information available now about the true cost of fast fashion, from the terrible working environments it often supports to the amount of waste it produces. Well-made clothing comes at a higher price tag, but investing in clothes that will last a long time will save you money in the end. Go for timeless styles that will stay chic and relevant as the trends change.
Shop at second-hand/vintage/thrift stores: So many gems to be found at second-hand stores. You can find the best one-of-a-kind pieces and usually at a great price. Buying used clothing and accessories on sites like Depop is a great option too.
Choose eco-friendly fabrics: Natural materials like linen, cotton, silk and wool take less energy to make than synthetic fabrics such as polyester and don’t leach microplastics into the water when washing.
Wash + dry smartly: Washing your clothes in cold water takes up less energy than washing in hot water, plus you avoid possibly shrinking clothes. If you have a heavy stain that would normally require hot water to remove, pre-treat the stain with concentrated laundry detergent before washing in cold water. Only use machines for full loads, and consider hang drying your clothes instead of using a drying machine.

Bigger Picture

Support businesses that prioritize sustainability: There’s a lot of power in where you spend your money, so spend it wisely. As a responsible consumer, I encourage you to do your research and shop brands whose values and practices align with your own. If you see an area for improvement, share your feedback with the brand. We can all learn from each other and there’s always room for growth.
Encourage others: We have a large influence on the people in our lives and demonstrating how easy and important it is to adopt sustainable habits can make a big impact. It can be as easy as bringing a spare travel mug when you meet a friend for coffee, or telling them where you like to buy bulk goods. The best thing is to share what you’re doing and why it’s so important. Try to be encouraging and positive rather than patronizing – people are more likely to change their habits when they feel inspired over feeling shamed.
Use your voice: Support policies and people who are working toward a more sustainable future. Vote for candidates who care about the environment, sign petitions for change, and be vocal within your community. Being active makes a big difference. Donate your time, donate your money. Every little bit helps.

September 11, 2019 1 comment

Home Lifestyle Style

Wu Haus Candle 03: Soft + Wooded

Wu Haus Candle 03 is a collaboration with Kelly Crosby of CROSBY Elements and ceramic artist Fernando Aciar of fefo studio. Only a limited supply is available; get yours here.

I can hardly believe that it’s already time to release the third and final Wu Haus Candle! These have been such a long-time dream of mine to create, and I am so fortunate to be able to collaborate with artists with so much talent, passion, and willingness to explore and play.

Each candle has been so different from the other, even within a release. That’s the true beauty of handmade goods; every piece has its own story, from the time it was thrown on the wheel to an untold future. Every time you light your Wu Haus candle or sip from its vessel, I hope you take time to honor and recognize the journey it took to get to you – how it was shaped by the hands of a ceramic artist, poured by a scent storyteller and packaged by yours truly.

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For Candle 03, Kelly Crosby of CROSBY Elements and I took inspiration from the Oregon coast to create a woodsy, masculine yet equally soft scent that I can’t get enough of. With scent notes of tobacco, Himalayan cedar, bergamot, frankincense, amber, oud and patchouli, this candle is reminiscent of late summer and time spent outside amongst the trees. It reminds me of the last camping trips of the season, spending time in the forest and cozying around a campfire after the sun magically sets and the night sky fills with stars. I love spending this time in nature, hiking and walking along the Pacific Northwest coastline, reflecting on the beauty of summer and looking forward to what another fall equinox brings.

The vessel for Candle 03 is the work of amazing artist and dear friend Fernando Aciar of fefo Studio. Fernando is an Argentinian chef-turned-ceramic artist, a warm and welcoming person who’s inspiring to be around and a super passionate creative.

I first met Fernando while working on the menu for the Houston restaurant, Vibrant. As I dreamed up the restaurant menu, I also dreamed of what ceramics would look and work best with each dish. Fernando brought that vision to life and created a gorgeous collection of custom ceramics for the restaurant. We kept in touch and were able to reconnect when I returned to Houston to train the staff and chef on the menu. Fernando is the owner of New York-based OCafe, and was starting-up Vibrant’s coffee program and training their staff on the machines. We got to know each other better during our time in Houston, bonding over our shared love for food and desire to create.

For Candle 03, I wanted to incorporate Fernando’s organic style to round out the series. I love how he uses pops of color on his organic shapes, using them sparingly on these earthy, yet sophisticated pieces. Fernando’s work is in demand internationally, and I’m so grateful to have collaborated with him on a project that means so much to me.

Photo by Drew Reilly

Here’s more about Fernando and his work:

Wu Haus: How did you start in ceramics?

Fernando Aciar: After I closed a juice bar, I felt that I needed to go back to cooking – what I was doing before. It was hands-on, not just building a business and creating a new concept, but making it. There’s a school across the street in the Village, and my wife gave me [a semester there] for a Christmas present. I had the idea to start making cups….I realized that I loved being there, doing that, and I found myself – 20 hours a week – going to the studio. I realized that it had to be a business, because it was taking so much of my attention.

I had a friend who invited me to make a plate and do tablework for a fashion show. That commission became over 1,000 pieces within a month. The manager of the school where I was [attending] gave me the push to go and grow. The rest of the story is I’ve been doing [ceramics] for restaurants, for architects, for fashion shows. I’m about to fly to France because I’m doing lamps for a new hotel that’s opening in Nîmes.

WH: What techniques do you use?

FA: I like a lot of hand-building, which is using the slab, and I love to make molds. I like natural shapes and a lot of structured, more architectural shapes. More art deco lines. I use color as a graphic element…. I always keep playing with solid color, and my signature is the sunset – a half-circle. Everything has a connection when it comes to whatever I do. You try to bring the same DNA. Even if it’s a new concept, it’s the same person. It’s me.

WH: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

FA: I’m inspired by very simple things. I go to a container store and I see a shape, and I see a shape that’s going to be a lamp. I can be at a museum and see a drawing, and I [flip that drawing upside down]. Now it’s going to be a vessel, or a cup. I don’t follow ceramicists. I try to not get inspired by other ceramists, because it’s easy to fall into the same thing. I try to keep my own way of seeing things. Half of everything that I create comes from something broken, or something that went wrong. That came from cooking. You recycle everything, you transform. That happened to me with ceramics. If something breaks, I don’t get mad – it becomes something new.

WH: What was your process for the Wu Haus collaboration?
FA: [Alison and I] were having a glass of wine in Houston. It was a very hot, humid day, and we were talking about the candles. She was telling me that she wanted to do a line, and I said I’d love to collaborate. Eight months later, we were still talking about it. I have these [style of] cups, and she picked the colors – sand and blue. They’re the size for a matcha latte or any latte, and they fit the hand. They are an extension of your body. They’re not square, but organic shaped.

I also have a candle line, so I thought it was a beautiful thing to do a cup that can be reused. I often work with different artists; I have a chocolate bar that I do with a friend who’s a graphic designer. We collaborate in the ways that we have passion.

WH: What do you love about candles?

FA: I love light. It comes from there. In my house, we have to have candles all over. I love perfumes. I make my own perfumes and I love natural essential oils. We’re in this new era of handmade candles and I’m very into it. I like the light that the candle gives us at home. Or any environment. I’m a cook, so I appreciate a dinner with candles. It makes the whole experience different.

July 23, 2019 0 comment

Home Lifestyle Style

Wu Haus Candle 02: Warm + Floral

Wu Haus Candle 02 is a collaboration with Kelly Crosby of CROSBY Elements and ceramic artist Amelia Wrede Davis. Only 100 are available; get yours here.

Smell is such a powerful sense. It helps you recognize poisonous substances. It helps you fully appreciate the flavors of your food. It can also transport you to different memories and places.

With the release of Wu Haus Candle 02, I’m curious to know what memories it might bring up for you. Maybe the pink grapefruit notes remind you of spending summer afternoons with your grandmother on her porch, eating perfectly pink segments of fruit while letting the world go by. Or perhaps the sandalwood takes you back to the first time you hugged your partner and took a long breath in to soak up the scent of their cologne. Or maybe these scents don’t recall anything specific yet, but become your future path back to this summer and all the memories you’re about to create.

For Candle 02, I once again partnered with the amazing Kelly Crosby of CROSBY Elements to create a scent that celebrates the beginning of summer and all the wonderful smells associated with this time. Here’s how Kelly came up with scent notes of geranium, cedarwood, sandalwood, rose, pink grapefruit, hinoki wood and black peppercorn to create a perfectly balanced scent for the summertime:

“We’re transitioning from spring into summer, so we wanted to do something sweet and floral, but also had that warmth of summer. So to have that musky richness to it, we have sandalwood, Virginian cedarwood, and hinoki wood. The brightness comes from rose, geranium and pink grapefruit. I don’t typically gravitate towards a floral candle, but when it’s blended with these beautiful woods, they go really well together.”

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For the vessel, we collaborated with the talented Amelia Wrede Davis, a beautiful soul currently residing in Tacoma, Washington. We initially connected via Instagram a few years ago, and I completely fell in love with her pieces. Anyone who knows me knows my love for desert tones and neutral palettes, and Amelia’s work is dedicated to honoring the earth and letting its natural beauty shine through. Not only do I love the classic look of her pieces, but her commitment to environmental causes and sustainable business practices are also incredibly inspiring.

Candle 02 features the marbled clay that Amelia also uses for her limited O’Keeffe Country collection. I love the way the white and tan colors swirl together. It’s really beautiful – each one unique. I hope this vessel becomes part of some of your favorite memories, first as a candle, then as whatever you choose it to be.

Here’s more about Amelia and her work:

Wu Haus: How did you start your business?

Amelia Wrede Davis: I began working with clay my first year of high school. I immediately fell in love with it. I was at a time in my life where I didn’t realize how much I needed a contemplative creative outlet. Clay is an incredible teacher in this way. Throwing on the wheel became a sort of therapy for me – seeing how when I wasn’t centered in my body or present with what was right in front of me, I would also struggle to center the clay. That combined with the beauty of making functional objects and being connected/in relationship with a grounding material from the earth had me hooked. I’ve been throwing consistently for coming up on 12 years now.

Portrait by Taylor Jones Photo

WH: What techniques do you use?

AWD: All of my pieces are wheel thrown by me in my home studio in Tacoma, Washington. My aesthetic lingers where earthly meets utilitarian. I love refined, functional designs and timeless hues that can compliment any space or mood. All of my pieces embrace bare clay and feels of landscapes that are close to my heart –whether it be in hue, texture, shape or overall vibe.

My business ethos is rooted in sustainability – I practice zero-waste shipping with 100% plastic-free and recyclable/biodegradable materials and offset my carbon footprint while traveling for markets. I see these vessels as a vessel for positive impact, whether it be through shipping materials, purchasing supplies only from small or local businesses, donating monthly sales percentages and pieces for auction to important non-profits, inspiring folks to reduce single-use containers, recycling clay, and cultivating conversations around compassion, consumerism, and mindfulness.

WH: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

AWD: I went to school for environmental studies and that has been my greatest teacher and source of inspiration. The natural world, both in the sense of design and feel, but also the notion of slowing down and making room for pause. I take a long walk with my dogs each day in the woods or down at the beach here along the Puget Sound, and it has always been my recharge time. I brainstorm, troubleshoot and let my imagination go wild in this place. I’d say my creative process cycle often times begins there and ends there.

Because my work with clay is about so much more than clay to me (it is also a spiritual/environmental practice and way of life), my influences really come from all over. I also find inspiration in cooking seasonally, plant medicine, slow fashion/slow, circular business models, abstract expressionism, and permaculture. I spent a few years organic farming in my “formative” years – being both in sync with the earth and also deep in the slow food movement.

I am incredibly moved by the innate connection between food and pottery and all that it inspires. I have seen firsthand how they have the capacity to shift habits around single-use plastic, eating on the run, and creating community with loved ones or friends. There is a thread woven through each of my designs and what purpose I envision it to nurture: whether it be creating time each morning to slow down with one’s tonic or coffee in a favorite mug, sharing laughter and stories with loved ones over a meal, or inviting a close friend for heartwarming conversations and herbal tea out of a carafe…there is a narrative surrounding each piece in regards to nourishment of good, fresh food that ultimately keeps me forever inspired.

WH: What was your process for the Wu Haus collaboration?

AWD: Alison and I brainstormed together for the floral scent she was planning to house in my piece, and we wanted to create something feminine, uplifting and warm. The shape is also soft and has a body-like curve. Each one has a unique marbling pattern – no two are alike.

We quickly settled on the colorway that is part of my O’Keeffe Country Collection. These pieces came to life for me out of my love for and pilgrimages down to Abiquiu, New Mexico, that began while I was living in Colorado. This place quickly became very special for me, and a symbol for a renaissance of spirit I had during my first trip down there. I was coming out of a tough relationship and voyaged down with my dog (who was coincidentally rescued from New Mexico a year prior), and was in a place of needing to find myself again without that of a significant other. I felt closer to myself than I had felt in a long time – and deeply aware of the legacy that Miss O’Keeffe led as an autonomous woman aligning her life and art with her natural surroundings. Independence, groundedness, and the freeing feeling of being “home” is the landscape of Northern New Mexico for me. And in that way, I feel it has been the most empowering place for me as a woman and human. I feel very carried by her spirit when I am there, as well as many other female artists who have had a similar connection to this transformative place. So I hope this piece will, too, stand as a symbol for both femme empowerment as well as connecting to the Mother and truly aligning with her in all that you do.

WH: What do you love about candles?

AWD: For me, lighting a candle symbolizes keeping my internal flame/hearth warm and strong. I am often susceptible to burnout or low energy dips/waves and have incorporated a practice of lighting candles – especially while eating or relaxing after a long day. I visualize the flame within me and watch how it, too, flickers and dances to adapt and move with what is happening around it. Most days my output/input ratio is far from balanced and this is one tool (out of many) in my toolbox that has helped me to cultivate more input and recharge my batteries.

On a recent trip to Denmark, I also fell in love with how every cafe, coffee shop, bar, etc. we stopped at there had a candle on each table (with a real, good ol’ flame – not a plastic, battery-operated one). It made each meal/pastry/coffee/beer feel just that much more special and festive.

June 12, 2019 2 comments

Home Lifestyle Style

Wu Haus Candle 01: Fresh + Herbaceous

It’s here! I am so excited to officially release Wu Haus Candle 01, the first of a three-part series with some amazingly talented artists and friends. For this month’s release, I’ve partnered with Kelly Harland of CROSBY Elements and ceramic artist Justin Caraco to create a candle that will fill your space with springtime vibes and provide a beautiful vessel to enjoy long after the candle is finished burning. Only 100 of these limited-release candles were created, so be sure to purchase one before they’re all gone!

Last week, I shared how I met Kelly and her journey of becoming a storyteller through scent. Together, we worked with Justin to create a fresh + herbaceous candle that draws inspiration from not only the energy and fragrance of the spring season, but also from Justin’s background working in the kitchen in some of my favorite Portland restaurants, Ava Gene’s and Tusk. With scent notes of basil, ginger, black peppercorn, arugula, cedarwood and white birch, here’s how Kelly describes her approach to creating the first candle scent:

“This one was really driven by three parts: Justin as a person, his creative background via ceramics and food, and the candle’s springtime launch. It made sense to do something more herbal and citrus-forward, and also nice to ground those scents with something a little more woody and masculine.”

I first became acquainted with Justin’s work when collaborating with Shannon Sims of Food Art Love on a snack board photoshoot. I was immediately drawn to his pieces that she’d borrowed for the shoot, and eventually connected with him directly about purchasing some of his work. I love his use of color and texture, and how his pieces manage to find the perfect balance between playfulness and sophistication.

He was still working at Tusk at the time, and it was clear that this side project of his had the potential to become so much more. It has been great to watch his business grow and see him take on ceramics full-time. Working with him on this project has been such a dream, and I’m so thrilled for those of you who get to keep a piece of his art and make it become part of your home and story.

Here’s more about Justin’s story:

Wu Haus: How did you start your business?

Justin Caraco: I started doing ceramics in high school. I originally got into it because of my dad, who was a ceramics and art teacher. He taught me, and I’d use his studio as a teenager. I gave it up like most interests I had as a teenager. I’d been thinking about getting back into it for a long time, and about 5 years ago I bought a ceramics wheel on Craigslist. It was kind of an impulse buy, and I didn’t use it for a year. I’d been a chef for 15 years, and was working at one restaurant that was opening another restaurant where they wanted to bring me over. There were construction setbacks, so I took off a few weeks, which turned into a few months. That’s when I started using the wheel. When the new restaurant opened, the chef and owners wanted my work in there. So I started making things for that restaurant. A lot of my dishes at Tusk are used for hummus and desserts, as well as for garnishes. A lot of my work has been mostly dinnerware and planters. About two and a half years ago, I quit cooking to focus on ceramics.

WH: What are your influences?

JC: Definitely other ceramicists, both local and commercial names that are well-known. I’m inspired by a lot of their glazework. There are so many great ceramicists in Portland. [Tusk] had already been using other artists in town that are an inspiration. I saw the different clays and materials they were working with, which helped me create my own taste and style. I knew what I was using in the restaurant and knew what styles I wanted to see and work with. That’s why I started making things – I wanted to make them for food.

WH: How would you describe your style?

JC: I like to have a lot of clean glazes, a lot of simple colors, a lot of matte. I’m not glossy. I like my work to resemble what I see in nature. I like to show raw clay in the body. A lot of my work has speckles in it, which comes from the properties in the clay I use, like manganese. I also do marbled work with mixed clays. It’s all wheel work, except for the handles on mugs that I hand-make.

WH: What was your process for the Wu Haus collaboration?

JC: I used two different clays – a greyish-white clay with tannish speckled clay to get a grey speckled clay. We went over some shades and glazes and picked out the colors together. Since she’s doing a basil scent, I thought shades of green would go well with it. One’s teal, one’s grassy, and one’s light pastel.

WH: What’s your inspiration when creating pieces?

JC: I get a lot of inspiration from living in the Pacific Northwest and going hiking. Whether it’s from trees, plants or rocks, it’s the colors I see. I relate my work to the colors of the season. In the spring, I use a lot of pastels. In the fall, I’ll use burnt orange and reds. Even the grey skies inspire me. I’ll show that in the clay body, and then top it with a bit of color, like the colors that pop up around here.

I’ve also been a passionate skateboarder all my life, and I draw huge inspiration of style and aesthetic from my favorite skateboarders. They always put an emphasis on their tricks looking right, proper and with finesse. It’s about paying attention to the details and focusing on form, technique and style as the most important. It’s also about limiting what you put out and not trying to do too much. It’s kind of silly, but it relates to my approach with my art.

WH: What do you love about candles?

JC: I think it’s another way to enhance a space. It’s been really cool doing this project, because it enhances a space through multiple senses. You get an object that’s cool-looking rather than just a glass jar, and it’s something you can associate with that scent.

May 8, 2019 1 comment

Home Lifestyle

Wu Haus Candle Series Preview

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is getting the opportunity to collaborate with other creatives. By bringing different skills and visions to a project, it’s amazing to see what we’re able to create together while learning from each other.

It’s been a long-time dream of mine to create a series of candles for Wu Haus that not only reflects my brand, but also embodies the creative spirit and talent of some amazing artists I’ve met over the years. I worked with three ceramicists to create vessels that are unique in style and complimentary to the scent of the candle they hold. Here's a little preview of what's to come...

May – Fresh & Herbaceous
Ceramic artist: Justin Caraco
Scent notes: Basil, Ginger, Black Peppercorn, Arugula, Cedarwood, Birch
Color story: Bright green, teal, lime

June – Warm & Floral
Ceramic artist: Amelia Wrede Davis
Scent notes: Geranium, Pink Grapefruit, Rose, Sandalwood, Hinoki Wood
Color story: Blush, nudes, tan

July – Soft & Wooded
Ceramic artist: Fernando Acair // Fefo Studio
Scent notes: Tobacco, Himalayan cedar, Bergamot, Frankincense, Amber, Oud and Patchouli
Color story: Sand, browns, ocean blue

For each scent, I worked with the inimitable Kelly Harland of Portland’s CROSBY Elements. I serendipitously met Kelly while at a pop-up field dinner on Sauvie Island. I had already fallen in love with her EMERALD hair perfume and was raving about it to my friend when Kelly walked up and said that that it was from her brand. We became fast friends, and soon after had the opportunity to work together on a custom-scented candle for Vibrant, the Houston cafe whose menu I consulted on. The whole experience was seamless and so much fun, and I knew I wanted to work with Kelly again on this Wu Haus candle series. She has been an amazing partner and source of encouragement throughout the whole process.

Kelly has such a gift for listening to ideas and translating them into scents. She took my concepts and articulated them beautifully. Each scent is an expression of Kelly’s craft, and I’m so excited to share them with you all! Here is more about the candles and Kelly’s creative process, in her own words:

Wu Haus: How did you start your business?

Kelly Harland: I was an art director for 15 years and have always worked at design and advertising agencies. I went freelance years ago because I was done doing the full-time thing. My mom’s a retired interior designer and has always loved having other creative hobbies. One day, I was over at her house and she asked if I wanted to help make candles. That little conversation is literally what started Crosby. It started as something for us to do together and share quality time.

She knew I was very specific with scents; I have a really sensitive nose. So she would work on the wax, and I would work on the scent. We’d make candles and I’d burn them at my house. My fiancé and I love to entertain, and I was burning a candle I’d made with my mom when my friends asked about it. Some of my friends either own shops or have good friends who own shops, and they mentioned that I should sell them. And so that got the wheels turning, like maybe this could be something more than a hobby.

The candles turned into hair perfumes, and then perfume, since I’d amassed such a massive library of scents and knew I wanted to explore other vehicles for them. That was important to me, to expand the line beyond candles.

WH: What ingredients do you use to create your candles?

KH: The wax is 100% American-grown soy. I don’t use any additives. I use 100% cotton wick, lead-free. I do a blend of phthalate-free fragrance, the same you’d find in lotions or hand wash, and essential oils. I usually do a 50/50 split or 60/40 split. I do that because I love essential oils – it’s not an overwhelming scent that slaps you in the face. But having the addition of a fragrance makes it a more enjoyable scent in the house. It’s subtle, but not so subtle that you can’t smell it.

It was important to me that I held to my values of trying to put things on my body that are good, and surround myself with things that are as healthy as possible. It was a really interesting finding, in the whole process, of finding how toxic [candles] are. Us choosing to just use soy wax is because we didn’t want to use the addition of stearic acid and paraffin that can make the air really horrible to breathe in.

WH: What’s your inspiration when creating a new scent?

KH: My blending is like how I use to storytell in design. Now I just work in a different material. Now I storytell through scent.

My line is four candles. A big thing for me is to keep a very edited collection. I’m only really drawn to complexity and things that are more unique. I try not to create a scent-for-everybody, or else I’d have 20 different skews, and that’s not what i’m trying to do. Because my background is in design, I work well with concepts. I draw from places I’ve traveled or from a specific memory. All the candles in my line right now mean a lot to me. GOLDTONE smells like sex wax because it reminds me of my childhood surfing in California. EARTHLY DWELLINGS is eastern Oregon-inspired because I was amazed by the beauty – the high desert and all the rolling grasslands. Everything’s kind of tethered back to one specific moment I had or a place I visited, where smelling that candle brings me right back to that space or feelings.

WH: What do you love about candles?

KH: What I do love is, making them now, I find it very meditative and can get into the rhythm. It’s a slower process, so that’s really nice. I can’t rush anything. Candles, if I look at it from a different perspective, has maybe taught me what I love about them now. It’s about slowing down and enjoying it. You’re thoughtfully lighting it, usually with the intention of creating a warm environment. They have the ability to transform and elevate your surroundings and shift the mood. Whether you want to be more relaxed or sensual or comforted, they can really transport you.

WH: What was your process in creating scents for Wu Haus?

KH: The inspiration for those candles was really just looking at the style of the ceramicists, the color palette Alison wanted to work with, and working with her. I always love coming together with other creatives. It was really cool being able to blend both of our tastes and aesthetics, and also having that third element of the ceramicist to build around. And since it’s not something that’s going to be used and thrown away, I love that you get to enjoy the first life of the vessel and then enjoy its second life. Anything that I can be involved in that’s helping create less waste, that’s more meaningful and functional, is great. I’m all about that.

One of the things I love about my business is the community of makers and creatives that it’s helped align. It’s this really happy element of owning this business that’s been able to come out of nowhere. I didn’t expect this to happen. I’ve met so many amazing creative women, especially, and it’s so inspiring in itself to be surrounded by creative, intelligent women. I love being able to collaborate on projects because the sum is greater than its parts. When I get a chance to collaborate with someone on a product, that’s such a cool process. Adding that third element of Alison’s creativity and her vision, me working with the scents, and working with all these talented ceramicists – it’s this trifecta of talent. That’s so cool.

April 29, 2019 1 comment

Home Lifestyle Style

Wu Haus Office + Den Makeover

Very excited to finally share the Wu Haus office + den makeover with you! We started this project waaaayyyy back in October, but then I left town for 6 weeks, then it was the holidays and then it just took me a while to pull everything together to finish the project. What started as switching to pocket doors turned into a full-on makeover with all new furniture and lighting. The main challenge with this project was turning a very small, very particularly laid out room that we use for multiple purposes. If you scroll to the bottom of this post, you can see all the ‘before’ photos.

As you may remember, my husband ended up losing his closet in this room when we remodeled the kitchen. (In case you don’t remember: what everyone working on the project thought was the walls hiding our old oil heat chimney that jut out into the kitchen was actually Chris’ closet. Oops.) So needless to say, one of our main objectives for the new office + den was to find a way for my husband to have some sort of closet (without actually having a closet). We also use this room as an office and a den where we like to hang out in the evenings and watch a show or movie.

In terms of design, I was really inspired by warm desert tones, but I also wanted to bring in an unexpected shade of cool, icy grey/blue. Though I chose the colors before we went on our trip to Morocco, I think I must have known how much I was going to love it there because this room definitely feels inspired by our trip. I decided on the color for the Venetian plaster accent wall before I left on our trip. I grabbed some paint chips for color inspiration, but my contractor ended up tweaking the color based on how it was showing up on the wall once in the room. I’m so obsessed with Venetian plaster, it’s hard for me to imagine doing a project and not including it in my plans.

One of my favorite details is the crocheted Hamimi lantern that I found in Marrakech. I love the light it gives off and the beautiful shadows it creates. I also love the Milena Silvano pillow that acts as a focal piece on our gorgeous custom Young American day bed. The nubby wool pillows are from Pampa and my sweet mama made all the smaller pillow covers. I worked with my dear friend Jake, who designed and built the day bed, to create something that was functional, beautiful and very comfortable. The base is made of ash wood with powder-coated metal legs. It serves as a bed for anyone staying the night and is also perfect for cozying up to read a book or watch a movie. The ottoman functions as both a place to rest your feet and a coffee table. We had our contractor install a floating shelf in place of a side table next to the day bed.

Instead of spending a ton of money on custom cabinetry, we decided to go with a couple pieces from IKEA for the wardrobe and dresser. We were able to suspend two rods (one high and one low) in the wardrobe, so my husband has double the hanging room. We sanded, primed and painted both pieces that were originally white laminate. The wardrobe is STUVA / FÖLJA and the dresser is the 4-drawer MALM. We painted them Olympus White from Sherwin Williams and used gold hardware from Superfront to give it a fresh, modern look.

The new desk area feels separate without feeling out of place. Our beautiful new About A Chair 23 from HAY pretty much matches the Venetian plaster accent wall identically, which is a great tie into the rest of the room. The Copenhagen 90 Desk from HAY is minimalist perfection with plenty of space to work and to house the oversize Edendale Task Lamp from Rejuvenation. I’ve always dreamed of having a Laura Berger print and I love how the colors of this one work so well with the colors in the room. Our contractor made the shelving to match the floating shelf in the corner of the room next to the day bed. Our CB2 filing cabinets help keep all our papers and random office stuff organized.

March 18, 2019 7 comments

Home Style

Wu Haus Kitchen Remodel

The Wu Haus Kitchen is finally done!!! And I’m beyond excited to be sharing the results with you today on the blog. After 9 weeks of renovations that had us cooking all our meals off a $14 hot plate in the dining room, we’re finally moved back into our brand new kitchen and absolutely loving it. I’m thrilled with how it turned out, and it was more than worth any of the chaos that came with remodeling.

First and foremost, I have to give MAJOR props and endless gratitude to our amazing contractor, Forrest, who worked his ass off on this project. My husband definitely put some time and elbow grease in, which was great, but for the most part, Forrest did everything on his own, from demo to the Venetian plaster walls to wiring the lighting to installing the new sink and plumbing to making the open shelving. It’s really quite amazing to work with someone who knows how to do literally everything.

I’d also like to thank my good friend and designer Jacob Schaeperkoetter-Cochran of Young American for helping me bring my vision to life. Jacob has a brilliant eye for design and offered so much guidance and advice on making this kitchen the most beautiful it could be. It was so fun working with him on our kitchen and watching as his plans became reality over the past several weeks.

Starting this project, I had a very clear vision of what I wanted. I played around with different layout ideas, but without changing the structure of the room too much, this layout made the most sense. We removed one wall that enclosed a “butler’s pantry” and took out the corner by the old refrigerator that we thought was the old oil-heat chimney. On our first day of demo, we soon found out that the “chimney” was actually my husband’s closet in our second bedroom. Oops. Not quite sure how we overlooked that. Anyways, we decided to roll with the original design of the kitchen and worry about the closet situation later. Still haven’t figured out where my husband’s new closet will go…I’ll keep you posted on that!

All of the amazing pendant lighting came from Rejuvenation. The pendants I chose are a collaboration with Portland-based ceramics studio, Pigeon Toe. During this whole process, I got to go tour Pigeon Toe’s studio and see how the ceramic pendants are made. I love supporting two Portland-based brands, and Pigeon Toe is woman-owned and operated. At one point, I felt like we went overboard with the lighting, as we also did recessed cans and under cabinet lighting, but now that I’m in the space working, I’m SO glad we went with all these lighting options. The pendants really allow for mood lighting, while the cans and under cabinet lighting is great for working. Since our kitchen is north facing and there’s only one window, having good lighting really makes a massive difference.

We decided to do the floors pretty last minute, like 4 weeks into the project, but I think it was one of the best decisions we made. Looking at it now, I think the finished floor really lends to the whole vibe and aesthetic of the kitchen. If we had kept the orange-hued wood floors that are in the rest of our haus, I think it would have really detracted from the finished look. It took Forrest a bit to get it just right, as Skimstone is essentially like a plaster application where you hand brush it on. Skimstone is a great option if you want something that looks like concrete.

I knew from the get go that I wanted marble countertops, and despite pretty much everyone advising me against it in the beginning, I’m so glad I stuck to my guns. If you aren’t familiar, marble etches form acids like lemon, vinegar and tomatoes and can stain easily. Personally, I love the way marble ages. The stains tell a story over time, and I think lend to a beautiful aged look. It’s definitely not for everyone. If you are type A or a particularly messy cook, I would suggest going with something more forgiving like quartz or granite.

We spent a good amount of our budget on the countertops, the refrigerator and other design details. Where we chose to save money was on the cabinets. Custom cabinetry can get really, really expensive, so we decided to use IKEA Sektion frames and use semihandmade custom fronts/doors. I’m SO happy with how they look, and that we decided to go this route. Semihandmade has lots of options and I found them incredibly easy to work with.

Walls: Venetian plaster application. Accent walls color matched to Pout from Miller Paint.
Countertops: Carrara marble slabs from Oregon Tile & Marble.
Floors: Skimstone Arctic White with the smallest amount of Oystershell added in
Lighting: All pendants from Rejuvenation. Recessed lighting from Home Depot.
Cabinets: IKEA Sektion frames with Semihandmade Cabinet Fronts in Supermatte Clay
Hardware: Park Studio X Sarah Sherman Samuel Half Moon, Ottawa and Mackinaw in Brushed Brass
Shelving: Plywood with maple facing
Sink: ROHL Shaws Classic Fireclay Single Basin Undermount Sink
Faucet: Delta Trinsic Pull Down Single Handle Kitchen Faucet
Refrigerator: smeg Fab 32

The BEFORE photos…Haha I guess I should have put these at the beginning of the post, but come on, I’ve been just dying to show you the AFTERs, so I had to get right to it. Honestly, our old kitchen doesn’t look so bad, but since I spend most of my day in this space and it’s essentially my office, I really wanted to up level the space and make it into something I feel incredibly inspired by.

April 9, 2018 22 comments