I am still in a state of blissful shock.
Before I moved to Chicago, I was in contact with the creative recruiter for Crate & Barrel. Her and I chatted for several months and once I arrived in Chicago she was gracious enough to meet me in person. The photo above is from the day I visited. Months have gone by since then and I was sure that our meeting was all that was going to come from it. Its a dream of mine to design for home furnishings and interiors.

WELL! Today I got an email that I had to read several times to believe...they want me to start on a freelance design project! Yes. I still can't believe it, I am so incredibly excited! I am in love with this company's design aesthetic and how they enhance their customers' every day lives with their products. I am honored they want me on their team, even if it's just for a little while! Yeah, freelance!

My heart dies a little (in an oh-my-goodness-it's-so-beautiful-it's-painful sort of way) whenever I see new designs by Marimekko. I would do anything to be able to design for this Finland based design company. Wouldn't you? If you haven't heard of them, you've surely seen something by them with their iconic designs from the 50's, 60's and 70's without even knowing it!

You can get a sneak peek into how they work in their clip "Secret of Marimekko":

And I know you've definitely seen their goods in your local Crate & Barrel (another company I LOVE). How smart was this partnership?! Crate & Barrel and Marimekko joined forces in 1966 and haven't looked back. Oooooh....the color! The pattern! The PERFECTION!! You can check out the Marimekko shop on the Crate & Barrel site here. You're welcome.

*photos via www.marimekko.com and www.crateandbarrel.com