11/22/12

Facebook Fan/Black Friday/Small Business Saturday Sale That Lasts All Weekend!!

I think I've come up with the longest name for a sale in the history of the world!!

Facebook Fan/Black Friday/Small Business Saturday Sale That Lasts All Weekend!! 

So here's how this works... you can get 20% off any MMF storage item sold on www.modmomfurniture.com if you're a Facebook Fan of MMF starting tonight and going through Sunday at 11:59pm!  Shipping cost is included in the discounted price!

Shipping time is still 4-6 weeks from date of purchase and we'll do our best to get them shipped before Christmas!  If not, you'll have a nice storage piece after Christmas for all those toys you're stepping on throughout the house!

Spread the news to friends to become Facebook fans to get the discount! www.facebook.com/modmomfurniture

To get the discount, you have to purchase using the buttons below....

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Gracie Toy Box -- Walnut Stain or Natural Birch
















Regular Price: $475
Sale Price: $380


Stain Color


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Owyn Toy Box
















Regular Price: $425
Sale Price: $340


Owyn Toy Box

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Bertie Toy Box

















Regular Price: $395
Sale Price: $316


Bertie Toy Box


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Noah Owl Toy Box



























Regular Price: $395
Sale Price: $316


Noah Owl Toy Box
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Maude Toy Box




















Regular Price: $450
Sale Price $360


Maude Toy Box

11/16/12

Don't Miss the One Kings Lane Sale going on Now! Ends Monday, November 19


Get up to 34% off regular retail price when you purchase through www.onekingslane.com between now and Monday, November 19!  But hurry...they are going fast!! They will ship by December 18th just in time for the holidays!!

Available are Maude, Noah Owl, Bertie, Owyn and Gracie Toy Box!







11/13/12

How to Build Your Own Toy Bin!




Modern Wood Toy Bin on Casters (approx cost to build = $80-$100)

Wood:  1/2 Baltic Birch plywood (about 30 per 5 x 5 sheet at lumberyard)
  • You'll have left over wood so you can make other things.  Step stool?  :) 
Cut List (either cut on a table saw or have lumber yard cut)
  • (2)  30inchL x 11.5 in tall (front and back panels)
  • (1) 30 in L x 14 in tall (bottom)
  • (2) 13 in L x 11 in tall (side panels)

Other Supplies needed:
  • Miller Dowel Kit (21747) Mini-X Quick Drill Kit $27.99
    http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10483&site=ROCKLER&filter=miller%20dowels
  • Sand paper for hand sanding or for orbital sander
  • Casters of your choice
  • 1/2inch long wood screws (12) for attaching casters.
  • Wood glue
  • Rag for wiping glue
  • Hammer
Detailing:
  • cut veneer or wall decal or scrapbook paper cut into favorite shape
  • decoupage paste
Finishing:
  • Water based polyurethane
  • foam roller

11/11/12

Veteran's Day Tribute



Happy Veteran's Day! And a big thank you to veterans, soldiers, and all those amazing military families who miss their loved ones on a daily basis.

I've been thinking a lot about my family members who served today and wanted to honor them in some small way . My mom was kind enough to share some of what she knows about my grandparents so I've included it below. Thanks Mom!

(Juanita Pennington, 1945)

My grandmother, Juanita Pennington was member of the WAVES (Women's Navy) and worked in D.C. during WWII. (Photo above was taken in D.C.) One of her jobs was to decode Japanese messages. She was put on a train with other WAVES. Juanita had no idea where she was going or where she ended up due to the black-out curtains hanging in the train windows. She got off the train at a secret location and worked on the messages. The women would be brought back to their bases the next day.
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My grandfather, Lawrence Pennington was a paratrooper during WWII. He was in Africa fighting Rommel (German) as well as parachuting into Europe where he was one of the first paratroopers to drop over the Ziegfreid line when Americans invaded Europe. Most of the men were killed as they parachuted, but he landed safely and hid under a snow-covered tree. He was discovered and held as a prisoner for nine months. The Russian army liberated him and when he came back home to the US he was sent to the Biltmore House Estate in North Carolina to recuperate due to his poor health.
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(Clifford Parsons with my dad, Barry Parsons)

My grandpa, Clifford Parsons, was in the Army Engineers division who was responsible for building the roads and bridges before the rest of the troops advanced. He fought in Europe and was ordered to invade Normandy. A week before the invasion, his units' orders were changed or he would have been one of the first men there.
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(Charles Hathcock)

Scott's grandfather, Charles Hathcock, also served during WWII. Charles came from a family of six siblings; he was the youngest of four brothers. At one point during WWII, all of the Hathcock brothers were serving in the war. Charles was recruited much later in the war and served in Austria Germany in two main roles. His first role was as a Military Police(MP) officer watching over German war prisoners. His second role gave him the opportunity to explore the German countryside as part of the communications reconstruction team. Charles helped hang telephone lines and open back up communications between German villages. He never had to fire a single shot in either role but instead left the war with an appreciation for the German Austrian people and their countryside.
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My grandpa, Calvin Deeter, served in the Navy aboard the The USS Conklin DE439. There's a wonderful website dedicated to those who served on the Conklin: http://www.ussconklin.org/index.htm.
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11/3/12

Thanks Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine!

If you pick up Pregnancy and Newborn magazine this month, you'll see something that looks familiar! Check out the Owyn Table and Stool Set on page 96!



10/17/12

Well what do ya know....MMF was nominated for an award! Help us win our category!!

Vote for Me

















What a fun day!  Got a bike ride in before work AND found out MMF was nominated for a Red Tricycle award!  There are so many amazing companies on the list -- very cool to be in their company.

But screw sportsmanship!  (HA!) Help us win the "Best Eco Room Decor" title this year!

Go to this link to vote: http://awards.redtri.com/?contest=eco-decor&phase=voting

Thanks so much for all your support.  Still pretty blown away that all of this started a few years back with a table saw and a badly made modern toy box!!





10/16/12

I love Lumberjocks!




 Back when I first started MMF, I joined a website called Lumberjocks.  It's such a great place to get support and help.  When I came up with the idea to sell some lower priced items that are handmade, I didn't want to overload L&JWoodworking (Amish manufacturers) so I reached out on Lumberjocks and asked if anyone was interested in producing eco-friendly, modern keepsake boxes and other items for me and lots of guys wrote in to say they are interested.

I've worked out a deal with a fantastic woodworker from Missouri who has his own garage shop and I couldn't be happier!  He's helping to take care of his mother who is ill so the extra income is helping him while the boxes are helping me!  It's a perfect partnership.

You know it's right when things fall into place easily and just feels like all is right in the world.

Lumberjocks Rule!

http://www.lumberjocks.com

10/11/12

This Little Light of Mine


I've gone over how I would say this a million times in my head.  And as I sit here at the computer drinking coffee out of a mug that says, "I'm a carpenter," I am reminded that I really am so many different things all wrapped up in this 39-yr-old body of mine.  We all are, aren't we?!?  So many times we get labeled and pigeon-holed into narrow categories because it's easier for all of us to process who that person is within a rigid framework.  I'm guilty of doing it, too.  And boy is it easy to do that during election season.

But it's not that simple, is it? 

I have been keeping a secret about a "side" of me out of fear.  Fear that I would be judged.  Fear that it would hurt my business.  Fear that I would let people down.  I've come to the realization over the past year that we are not meant to live in fear.  It holds us back. We're given gifts and talents by God not for us to hide away but to really own, respect, and share. Basically, stand in our truth. 

So here's mine.  In addition to being a daughter, wife, mom, carpenter, designer, CEO, amateur hair cutter, and a whole slew of other things, I am a medium.  I was born with the gift of being able to communicate with loved ones that have passed on.

This gift of mine is something I've always had but at a very early age, I turned off.  Probably due to fear.  It started to awaken in me about three years ago but really came on full force over the past year and a half. Out of nowhere, I started to hear and see things other people were not.  And for the most part, the messages I was receiving were from children who have passed.  There is so very much to this complicated story of mine but in a nutshell, I have been helping families reconnect with children who have crossed in an effort to help everyone begin to heal.  This isn't something I do for income (I do not charge for my help) and I do not seek out the children, they come to me.  Some I know through friends or family and some are complete strangers.

In an effort to stand in my truth and move forward with what I know will ultimately be one of the most important things I do in my lifetime, I started a website called The Little Light Project.  You can read more about how it works and how a handful of families feel about the work I'm doing and more importantly, how it is helping them cope with their loss. 

I know this is a very controversial subject and I completely respect if you do not believe in such things.  All I know is that for me, this is very real and is my truth.  It might not be yours, but it is mine and I want to do the best I can in my lifetime to live authentically. 

So there you have it.  No more hiding for me.  I wouldn't be able to stand in my truth without the support of my amazing family, colleagues and friends who love me for me.  It's hard to put into words how thankful I am for their support.  And I especially want to thank my husband, Scott. It takes a strong man with a lot of faith in God and his wife to endure what Scott has had to go through over the past few years.  His love and support have given me the strength and confidence to do what I'm doing now.  Scott, I love you and thank you immensely for not putting me in an institution.  And mostly for believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself.

As always, thank you immensely for your support of Mod Mom Furniture!  I am working on incorporating more giving through MMF by donating a percentage of sales to organizations that help abused and ill children.  Check out a sneak peek of a beautiful wooden Nativity set we will be replicating, retailing and donating a portion of sales to charity on the Mod Mom Facebook page.  It's a design by Scott's late grandfather, Sam Brown, who was a Baptist minister and carpenter. 

I sincerely hope every one of you reading this has the opportunity to live your authentic life and ditch the fear.  Coincidentally, my dear friend told me that today is National Coming Out Day.  I couldn't have picked a better day. :) 

9/26/12

Celebrities who love Mod Mom Furniture!

I'm sometimes asked about what celebs own Mod Mom pieces so I thought I'd do a fun photo collage of who has what! :)





9/3/12

Woodworkers Cook! Chicken Broccoli Casserole: A Household Tradition

This has nothing to do with woodworking and everything to do with food!!  WHOOHOO!!  My mom taught us how to make this when my sister and I were learning to cook.  Check out the video below where Grace helps me make this household favorite! 



CHICKEN BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

1 bag of frozen or fresh broccoli
1 large can of chicken or shredded roasted chicken
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup of light mayo
Juice from fresh squeezed lemon
8 oz bag of shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 375. Microwave broccoli (or steam it on the stove), drain liquid.  Using an 9 x 13 inch baking dish, distribute broccoli evenly on the bottom of the dish. Now layer canned chicken on top.  Then mix cream of chicken soup, light mayo, and lemon juice in a bowl.  Pour the mixture on top of the layer of chicken.  Now, sprinkle enough cheddar cheese to lightly cover the entire dish.  Mix melted butter and breadcrumbs in a separate bowl and then lightly sprinkle the mixture on top of the cheese.  Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until casserole is warm, cheese is melted, and breadcrumbs are toasted.

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Get more KIN PARENTS tips & advice: http://bit.ly/KinParents

MOMtrepreneur, Kiersten Hathcock of http://www.ModMomFurniture.com shares the first recipe she ever learned to cook as a girl -- and how it developed into a sweet a family tradition. A nostalgic and simple to assemble casserole her family loves and yours may too!

Learn more about Kiersten Hathcock and Mod Mom Furniture at these links:

http://www.modmomfurniture.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/modmomfurniture
Twitter: https://twitter.com/modmomkiersten
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/modmomfurniture

8/26/12

Kin Community and Mod Mom Present: How To Build A Step Stool

Many thanks to the team at Kin Community for another great video production!

Check out Grace helping me teach how to build a step stool!
Get more KIN PARENTS tips & advice: http://bit.ly/KinParents

Put on your safety glasses and venture into the amazing world of woodworking! MOMtrepreneur, Kiersten Hathcock of ModMomFurniture.com offers an easy to follow tutorial on how to create your own step stool. She shares clever ways for your kids to participate in the project and create a simple piece of furniture that will grow with them.

STEP STOOL Materials List:

Baltic Birch Plywood - 1/2 inch thick
Cut List:
(1) 13in wide x 11 in tall
(2) 11in wide x 10 in tall
(1) 12 in wide x 4 in tall

Miller Dowels and drill bit
Wood Glue
Sand paper

8/23/12

Life Path


This is the path I would walk in the morning with Scott while staying at his parent's house in Flagstaff.   It's the most beautiful scene.  Funny how I've always said I'm a mountain girl because walking these trails made me realize I really am.  There's something so calming about walking through the woods.

Or maybe it's because I'm a wood geek in general.

While walking, I had time to think about all of ups and downs of life and how much I've learned in such a short period of time.  Nothing an MBA could produce but more along the lines of life in general.  And people. 

I've been in a few situations lately where I've had to trust my intuition about folks I know in my work life and my personal life.  I know I've been talking about intuition quite a bit but it's really the most amazing gift, if you use it. I used to always give people the benefit of the doubt way too much and just squash those "ewwww" feelings.  Mostly because I was a people pleaser. Now, I trust my first instinct about people and nine times out of ten, it turns out to be spot on.  It's really invaluable in all areas of my life and I highly recommend paying attention to those feelings right off the bat.

So as I'm walking down this part of my life path, I find the most valuable tool in the old tool box has nothing to do with the mechanics of running a business.  And has everything to do with knowing myself and trusting my gut feelings.  



8/16/12

Kin Community Momtreprenuer Video Segment

Major thanks to the entire Kin Community staff for making inviting me to be a part of several video segments! 

First one is called "Momtreprenuer" where I share my story and some tips for other momtreprenuers out there building their businesses.

I'll be sure to share the upcoming segments which include how to videos for making a simple toy box, a simple step stool, and two of my favorite recipes that even my kids love.

Subscribe to Kin Community here for access to a world of beautifully produced, informative how-to and parenting videos:  http://bit.ly/KinParents



7/23/12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




SHARK TANK Alum, Kiersten Hathcock, Shares Brand
Building Tips At Las Vegas Market


CONTACT: 
Kiersten Hathcock
818-399-1172
publicrelations@modmomfurniture.com

(Los Angeles, CA., July 18, 2012)  Kiersten Hathcock, CEO of Mod Mom Furniture, will share tips on what worked and what didn't work while building a brand with $0 and running a company despite roadblock after roadblock during her session, “Building a Brand From The Beginning.” She'll also discuss how she learned to trust her intuition even when the world was saying she was nuts to try to build and design furniture without start-up capital, design know-how, and carpentry experience.  “I’m honored to have been asked to speak by World Market Center to share my experience with my industry peers.  Going from a corporate marketing job to carpentry was never my career strategy but lay-offs, the economy, and a crazy idea made it a reality.  If what I share helps even one person better their situation, I’m over the moon,” says Kiersten.


Hathcock will also share her experience on ABC’s SHARK TANK as well as working with celebrity clients.  Attendees can expect to take away easy-to-apply brand building techniques from a down-to-earth entrepreneur who succeeded at building a respected brand in a tough economy. 

Most recently, Kiersten was invited to be a speaker on the “Influential Women in Home Furnishings” panel for World Market in January of this year as well as a keynote presenter for the American Society of Furniture Design annual dinner in High Point, NC in April 2011.  Katie Hatch, founder of Design | Intuition and former American Society of Furniture Designer Vice President said,  "I've been in the furniture industry for twenty years, and when Kiersten contacted me out of the blue asking for sourcing advice, I was blown away by the amazing brand she had built for herself in such a short time and for quite literally zero dollars. In my experience, the home furnishings industry is strong on product, sourcing, and infrastructure, but we lack brand recognition. Every retailer, manufacturer and designer can and should capitalize on this wonderful session and learn from Kiersten's experience and brand building know how.”

Julia Rosien, CEO of Social North and WithIt President adds, “Kiersten and I met when we sat on a panel together for a WithIt event. To say I was impressed with her sincerity and passion on stage would be a gross understatement. Kiersten connects with her audience because she’s fought a hard battle in the trenches of entrepreneurship and she’s happy to share both the missteps and the successes with her audience. She knows true learning comes when we’re open and honest with each other about how hard (and rewarding) is to be an entrepreneur.“

BUILDING A BRAND FROM THE BEGINNING takes place on August 1, 2012 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Las Vegas World Market World Forum 16th Floor - Building B.  For more information, go to http://www.lasvegasmarket.com/show-highlights/calendar-market-events.html.


Mod Mom Furniture was born in a Los Angeles garage in 2007, the product of self-taught designer-turned-carpenter Kiersten Hathcock.  Her unique, eco-friendly, child-proven furniture has been sold throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.  Hathcock’s storage pieces have been featured in Dwell Magazine, Elle Décor, Los Angeles Times and Better Homes and Gardens as well as in episodes of ABC’s Shark Tank and the Nate Berkus Show.  For more information visit modmomfurniture.com.



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7/3/12

Faith

Meet Mr. Peaches.  (Formerly just Peaches)


These days, there seems to be so much change.  Horrendous fires :( , flooding in Tampa to the point people were kayaking down their streets :(, Tom and Katie splitting :), and we have a bunny that we thought was a girl but turns out is a boy :).  Change all around. Change used to scare me more than it does now.  I think over the last year, I've gotten better at living in the moment and realizing that no matter how much control I feel I have over things, I really don't have much at all.  I can only do my best and recognize that in my world, things happen as they should.  Even the bad stuff.  It's taken me a long time to get to this point, and I'm sure I have a lot more to learn, but I am taking comfort now in not knowing the answers or how things will play out tomorrow.  I know lots of folks I know would call that faith.

Here's my faith list today:

1.  I have faith that I will successfully fix a horrible highlighting job I did on my own hair with two lovely products from Loreal.  I also have faith that I may just be calling my fantastic hair dresser to fix it after I've "fixed it".  I'm ok with it.  Hair is an adventure, right?

2.  I have faith that I am on the right path in regards to Mod Mom Furniture growth as long as I recognize and listen to my intuition.  If I don't, I will likely take the long road to where I'm going.  I prefer the short road.

3.  I have faith that I won't mysteriously lose 15 lbs for a video segment shoot next Tuesday even though my silly mind would like to make me think I should.

4.  I have faith in Spanx for said video segment filming.


What do you have faith in today?

6/21/12

Keynote at Las Vegas World Market: Building a Brand from the Beginning



I've mentioned this before but now that its coming closer and closer (and I'm starting to work on the presentation and am getting SUPER excited about it), I thought I'd put it out there again.  If you're heading to Las Vegas Market in July, come by on Wed, August 1 at 10am to hear me talk about what is working (and what didn't work) as Mod Mom grows.  I'll share some inside stories, tips, failures, and in general, what I'm hoping folks will benefit from when building their own brands.

Hope to see you there!!

WHERE/WHEN: 

Building a Brand from the Beginning

10:00 am - 11:00 am | World Forum - 16th Floor of Building B




















DESCRIPTION:

Kiersten Hathcock, CEO of ModMom Furniture, will share tips on what worked and what didn't work while building a brand with $0 and running a company despite roadblock after roadblock. She'll also share how she learned to trust her intuition even when the world was saying she was nuts to try to build and design furniture without design or carpentry experience.

Sponsored By



6/1/12

The Nothing About Furniture Post: Gluten Free Recipes

Happy Summer!  We're finishing up school around here which is why this blog has been quiet.  I do want to pass along some info that has nothing to do with wood but everything to do with good health.  A friend of mine has started a gluten-free cooking website where she shares recipes and I have had at least three friends tell me recently they are going gluten-free.  Check out Jessica's fantastic website and you're on your way to gluten free goodness. :)

Jessica's Website Link:  http://livelightfood.moonfruit.com



One of my favorite recipes is......

Chocolate Cake/Cupcakes
1 1/2 cup(s) gluten free all purpose flour (Bob's Red Mill® All Purpose Flour)
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
1/2 cup oil
1 cup(s) sugar
1/2 cup [quality] Cocoa Powder
2 large eggs,
1 1/2  teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
3/4  cup(s) rice or coconut milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all wet ingredients in a small bowl. Combine all dry ingredients in a separate, medium size bowl. Next combine wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Whisking together until batter is smooth.

Prepare a: cake pan, sheet cake pan, muffin or mini muffin pan by spraying with a non-stick spray. Spoon or pour mix into pan or muffin cups. Cook until inserted toothpick (or butter knife) come out clean.

Let cake/cupcakes cool, then eat and/or serve!

5/8/12

A Letter to our Mod Mom - By Scott Hathcock


A letter to our Mod Mom…

To our mother, wife, teacher, furniture designer, encourager, lover, friend, disciplinarian, giver, healer, counselor, volunteer, technician, organizer, printer, worker, shopper, seller, marketer, play buddy, History Channel viewer, Vampire lover, non-bather, homework helper, listener, laugher, cook, partner, animal lover, bad impressionist, non-gamer, driver, entrepreneur, learning coach, mentor, visionary, artist, soul mate, and self-taught carpenter,

We offer our thanks on this Mother’s Day.  We appreciate and love the work you do with us and those around us to make this planet a better place. Balance might be “bullshit” in your world, but in our world you help keep us balanced.        

Love,
Your family

4/26/12

Profile: Amazing Slovenian Furniture Manufacturer

One of the perks of being on the TV Show Shark Tank is that people from all over the world reach out offering congratulations, encouragement, asking for advice and offering opportunities.  I'm really touched each time I get an email from someone who saw my Shark Tank segment.  


Recently, out of the blue, a very kind man by the name of Gregor reached out to me telling me about his family-owned Slovenian furniture manufacturing/design business, MizarstvoGrm.  I've been talking about European expansion (even investigating the Baltic region) for about a year now, starting to put the pieces in place to make it happen. As soon as I read his email, I knew it was one of those cosmic connections.  We shared stories and I told him, due to European interest, I had been looking to manufacturer with a small, family-owned shop in Europe similar to Ray's in Ohio.  I could manufacture in China like almost everyone else does but it doesn't fit the core values of MMF...and it just doesn't feel right. Gregor and I are working to make MMF Europe happen but I also know the down economy has hit business hard and I want to do whatever I can to help them bring in new clients.  


In the past, they've worked as manufacturers for Ikea and Habitat.  Gregor has also launched a very cool slot together crib that is being sold exclusively through BeeZee Designs.  Check some of their work below!


If you or someone you know produces furniture (modern or otherwise) in Europe, please consider Gregor and his family business for your production needs.  Also, they are looking for potential investors as well.  Feel free to contact me for more information, if you'd like!  I'm happy to rave about them. :) 


CHECK OUT THIS NEW CRIB DESIGN BY GREGOR EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT BEE ZEE DESIGNS!  WILL SHIP TO THE US FLAT PACKED!  (This is not an MMF design.)

Teddy Bear Slot Together (No TOOLS!) Crib
(I used Google Translate from Slovenian to English on the text below) 
For you developing a new children's program. The first product from the child development program that develops ga Woodworking Plant is quick to assemble and to dismantle bed that allows for easy transport and quick assembly of cribs. Bed is a design solution and designer Gregory Bush accomplished by Bianca Žvorc, dizajnerke and business owners BeeZee Designs. 
The idea has evolved from the need for easy, usable and safe crib, which will be the design, ease of use and delight the most demanding parents, and children and provide a pleasant sleep. Bed is made of birch wood veneer panels (thin layers of wood glued in thickness), which gives the bed of high strength and flexibility. All edges are fully rounded, merges elements are designed to be easily folded up bed by simply sticking items into one another. 
Bed is composed of the exhibition and in 3 minutes and is suitable for frequent transport, as well as for permanent installation.Comes in a natural birch wood, waxed with beeswax or painted with white water-based paint. 
The number of registered patent 1-360882811 in New York, USA. 
When you purchase you get a GIFT summer stickers BeeZeeEcoKid BeeZeeEcoKid and healthy toy of your choice!SIZE: 130 cm x 72 cm x 102 cmFor the mattress 120 cm x 60 cmMATERIALS:- Laminated birch wood- Natural wax- White water-basedFor all questions: info@mizarstvogrm.si or info@beezeeecokid.comDELIVERY:5-10 days outside the EU2-5 days in the EUFaster delivery available on demand.
How cool is this bedroom set?!?!?  I would've killed for a slide as a kid!  (Gregor design. Not an MMF Design)


WHO IS MIZARSTVOGRM?
The company was founded in 1987, throughout its existence, grows, builds to production, as well as personnel capacities. From the very beginning until today the company has successfully operated in the production of finished joinery products for domestic and foreign clients. Through different periods involving large Slovenian and world known companies and organizations. Founder Anthony Plant was his carpentry business started operations in 1987 in a village not far from the center Trebnje. The workshop, which did not measure more than 95m2, initially sufficient for the initial needs of the self-employed craftsman. Soon, this working environment has become too small for new orders and additional staff. The family business has expanded, has also joined his wife, but the practical knowledge with theoretical fundamentals and build an expertise and an excellent son and daughter, who with his academic focus further influence on the modern wind in the company, which he has contributed a significant added value .

One of the gorgeous doors they've produced.

4/19/12

Cool Things That Have Happened Over the Past Few Weeks that included Rachel Zoe and Vegas

How do ya like that blog title?!?  I couldn't come up with something cool, funny, ironic or poignant so there it is.  Not that I went to Vegas with Rachel Zoe but I bet that would be fun!

I've been plugging away on Mod Mom, homeschooling Noah, that other job of mine, and life in general and in between all of that, a few really cool things happened and I wanted to share!

Rachel, Rodger, and baby Skyler

This is not Rachel's living room :)  It was mine in 2008.

I had the pleasure of delivering a toy box bought and paid for by Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist and TV star on BRAVO network.  And ya know what?  She couldn't have been nicer or more complimentary.  She showed us Skyler's nursery and asked our opinion (Scott with with me to help me deliver.)  She's already put an order in for more toy boxes!  She and her husband bought the Gracie Toy Box for their living room for their adorable son, Skyler's toys. I'm thrilled she's a Mod Mom Furniture fan and I'm looking forward to working with her again in the next few weeks.   Rachel bought the Gracie through http://www.modernnursery.com, one of my favorite retailers who's been with me since 2007!

Now for Vegas....

Las Vegas World Market - July 30-August 3, 2012

I was recently asked to be a keynote speaker at the Las Vegas World Market (international furniture and home goods convention)!  I'm really excited to share how I built an international brand with no money...or carpentry experience...or design experience.  I'm not sure exactly when my hour session will be held yet but I'll let you know ASAP.  I'll give real-world tips and talk about things that worked for me in terms of social media, marketing, and strategy.

If you're in Vegas for Market, I hope to see you!! 

4/10/12

The Finished Outdoor Feature Wall Using Old Pallets-- By Scott Hathcock

A few months ago I blogged about building an outdoor feature wall using old pallets....AND, NOW THE BIG REVEAL!
 
 



One significant change you will notice from the original concept rendering (pictured on the left) is that I ended up doing a patchwork layering rather than a precise lining of the planks.  I've learned it is rather difficult to find pallets with similar lines and wood types, so I had to embrace all types of pallet wood, including the split pieces.  But, with using so many variations of pallet wood types, one of my favorite outcomes is that it is texturally pleasing as well.  Weather will certainly continue to play a major role in the overall color pallet of the wall, so that should be interesting to watch. If we should ever grow tired of the colors, repainting will always be an option.  Vertical gaps left between some of the boards have allowed for removable shelving for the occasional row of candles.

I call her "Mod Pioneer." For no money and little time, I am very pleased with the outcome. 

For renters with small or large patios, the feature wall may be a great design option without breaking the bank or losing a deposit.  Free pallets are everywhere, so have fun and start creating something with them today.           

4/9/12

Met up with Shark Tank entrepreneur, Shelly from SHOWNO



I'm proud to call Shelly Ehler a friend.  We met when she reached out prior to her episode of Shark Tank airing and I instantly knew I really liked her.  We even have similar experiences (job loss, struggle, building something from our homes, and our spiritual beliefs).   Shelly is the owner/designer of SHOW NO - poncho style towels for you and your kids. www.showno.com

We recently met for lunch at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles in Hollywood and snapped the picture you see above.  To top off our fantastic lunch, we got to meet Little Richard who was seated one table away.  He gave us both books about "Finding Peace Within," which was amazingly kind and generous. And ironically, we were talking quite a bit about peace and spirituality over well, chicken and waffles, before a very kind gentleman in Little Richard's entourage handed us the books. It was surreal to say the least.



I'm finding more and more that amazingly good, caring, genuine people are coming into my life while others are or have moved out of my life.  And I don't think this is a coincidence.  In my experience, nothing really is a coincidence, not even the hard stuff.

I feel like Shelly and I, despite our past trials and tribulations, have found our peace.  And a fantastic friendship.

Don't miss Shark Tank on May 4th -  there's a follow-up for Show No and some fantastic things happening for Shelly since accepting Lori's deal in the Tank.

You win some, you lose some

I've learned a lesson this weekend.

My best design work is done when I'm actually building the prototypes.  This past Friday, Fed Ex delivered an impeccably built Chase Toy Box design but as it turns out, I'm not really sold on my design.  The Amish construction quality is exceptional as always but I'm just not a fan of this piece.  Funny how the one I design on paper and don't build in my garage is the one I'm not really so sure about.  I think I've learned that I am very much a hands-on designer, at least when it comes to toy boxes.  I can design things on paper (beds, dressers, etc) and they turn out just fine but somehow, the toy box is surprisingly harder to make happen on paper for me.  I have to be able to see how the elements look together in real life before I commit.  I know what I want to do to change the Chase so I'll work that out from a design and a manufacturing cost standpoint (and will reveal it soon!) but I think the lessons learned are priceless.

Time to get some sawdust in my hair again!