// FLOOR 11

//

Eleven floors up at the Shangri-La to meet the ladies for Danielle's 30th birthday. We ended the night one too many cocktails deep and woke up with hangovers Saturday morning. I can't believe we are all turning 30 this year. In other news, it finally feels like summer. I was on my usual clear-my-mind-country-drive when I drove by the cutest antique bookstore. I spent the rest of the day sitting on their dusty floor in heaven looking through as much as I possibility could. Serendipitous run-in actually - I got into my car frustrated because I was stuck on a concept. Took the wrong turn and bam came across the perfect place for inspiration. 

Three personalized skate decks have finally arrived to London, England. I'm in the middle of designing some more + putting up a shop. That should be ready in the next month or so! The Lake Joe cottage design is all done. I loveeeee how this turned out. Just have to approve those samples. And that's about it! Just saying hi. x -C

// NEW CUSTOM

//

It's been non-stop in the studio lately. There are a couple really fun projects in the works. Here's the first custom piece going up on cottage wall on Lake Joseph. Samples are in production. Can't wait! 

// PHARRELL IN PLANTA

// Lately

Lately: So Pharrell Williams was at Planta Miami. He snapped about it. I got excited and screenshot it - then reposted it. He is one of my favourites and hope to one day work with him. I pretty much met him. He had to walk by the wallpaper at some point right? Besides that nothing else really matters. Kidding. It’s been a busy couple weeks since I got back from LA. Meghan and Harry got married, I was in florida with the fam for a little. Finally got to see Planta Miami for myself. Got no work done, because kids don't let you. The juice bar is printed and ready to go up, BOLO approved their third print. The new BOLO location should be opening in July! The ballroom approved their print and we will be wrapping their bathrooms stalls. I’ve been wanting to try this for some time now, so i’m excited to see how it turns out. CKD has two more custom rugs sent off for production. We’ve approved samples, excited to see these life size. Mmm I get paint all over my arms when I paint. How is still a mystery to me. We ate at IHop. I may or may not be getting into jewelry design again :) And Planta Toronto has made a life size hoarding of my print at Bay and Bloor. Bucket list stuff right there. K that's all! Happy Friday! x -C

// CUSTOM RUGS FOR KATE

// Custom rug design for designer Kate Thornley-Hall

Over a year in the making and the butterfly and peacock rugs have finally made their way to Sarah's home. From a hand-painted watercolour design, these rugs looks almost identical. 

// CKD TURNS THREE

// Answer the call 

I was listening to Oprah's conversation with Elizabeth Gilbert in the studio yesterday. Near the end of the podcast they talk about "life's calling". Gilbert says, first comes the call to the quest which is in the form of the question "What have I come here to do with my life". We can either choose to ignore it, or pursue it. The pursuit is the beginning of the journey. Once you begin the journey you enter the road of trials. Here you can expect to be challenged, hurt, feel lost, in despair, double guessing yourself, meet friends who aren't really your friends, go through obstacles. Every single one of these challenges and temptations will help you gain your talents to shed your fears for the ultimate battle.

CKD turns three years old today. The past three years have been quite the adventure. The places it has taken me, the people I've met, the work CKD has done, and most importantly the opportunity to keep pushing myself to produce good work. I get to make goals and dream big. I've learned the only person that will ever know my true potential is myself and convincing anyone else of my abilities is just a waste of time. I didn't grow up an artist. I started blogging at 20 years old, picked up photography, made some videos, dropped out of an interior design program, applied to a textile program at FIT, moved to new york city, taught myself how to paint, worked two internships while waitressing on weekends. All to pack my life back up in a car cross the border and start CKD where I grew up. This was my road of trials. I second guessed myself, trusted people I shouldn't have, I was hurt, I was in despair, I was lost. But Gilbert was right, I have learned my talents to battle the ultimate challenge - my company. CKD is just scratching the surface. I feel like I'm about to enter my second road of trails and hopefully gain more talents to face my next ultimate battle. The vision for this company keeps growing and finally I feel like I can start stepping out a little further. I've been feeling the growing pains. Thank you for following along on this crazy calling life seems to have put on me. I suggest you listen to yours - it is the most beautiful journey you'll go on. 

//LA LA LAND

// 

I woke up around 7:00-7:15 am every morning for the past two weeks. Some mornings I would buy myself a coffee and go for a hike. It was so simple, but a beautiful way to start my day. The month of April felt strange. I thought maybe it was the full moon, maybe it was me stepping out of my comfort zone again, maybe it was being away from the studio when I felt like I should be there sketching or doing something more "productive" than a hike. I'm very particular about who I keep around me because I like to speak about what's going on in my life - both mentally and professionally. Through these conversations I am my most vulnerable self - I think that is the only way to grow. We spoke a lot about success, happiness, and life over delicious dinners and drinks. True success has evolved into many different things throughout my life. When I was 20 it was to own my own company, when I was 24 it was to live on my own in New York running my own company, now success is about loving the person that I am in this moment and being happy with her. April felt weird because it was my month of learning. What I thought was - wasn't, and who I thought I was needed some growth in order for me to move forward. Turns out a hike can be much more productive than my head down sketching.

I made some great connections while in LA. Let's see where that takes CKD and I. Living is a gift. And I know from personal experience how short life can be. I'm going to keep on smiling through it. It's a beautiful place once you stop fighting with it.  

// PERFECTLY DISTRESSED

// CALI 

After living in New York I didn't think it would be possible for me love another city as much. Turns out it's possible. This is the longest I've spent here and it's stealing my heart day by day. This laid back feel, the sunshine, the palm trees, and I may have been doing a little shopping. I find myself waking up wide awake - there is something in the air here that puts me in a deep sleep. Or maybe it is the ocean mixed with the hustle of dreamers making huge things happen. Cali, CKD is coming for you!