Holy smokes, you guys! Thanks so much for all the lovely comments yesterday about Dave K’s video (isn’t he incredibly inspiring?) and for all the great feedback about the products. We love that you have embraced them and cannot thank you enough for the ongoing support! If you haven’t already entered the ginormous giveaway from yesterday, please do – we’re not choosing winners until next week! Big thanks to the folks at Demdaco for coming up with the idea for the giveaway and for offering it. It’s a HUGE deal and can’t wait to meet one of you!
Demdaco Appreciation Week continues today with another giveaway (see below!) and a rare behind the scenes peek at both the design process as well as how + where products are made, including lots of photos from my recent trip to China with Anne (the the product developer I work very closely with). We traveled to China to do some design work for a brand new artisan jewelry line to debut next year (it’s going to be so great!) but while we were there we visited the artisan factories that make much of the KRR products. We traveled to Hong Kong and all over mainland China….a trip of a lifetime. Loved China.
(wishes hung on a line, Hong Kong)
Before I begin, I want to respectfully say this: From our ipods to house decor to the clothes we wear to our favorite stationery, so much of what we buy, wear, use, and celebrate in our everyday lives comes directly from China. I know there is concern out there about China’s export industry. For those of you who may have strong opinions, I want to say that this post is not a discussion/endorsement on either side of the broader issues. This post is simply my personal story/experience of having products made in China after having traveled there and witnessed the process and the people hand making the products. Please refrain from leaving harsh/critical/judgmental comments. This is not a post for that kind of discussion. Thank you!
I love what Dave K. (Demdaco’s co- founder who you met yesterday) says about Demdaco’s relationship with their China partners:
“I love China and her people. I view that our industry is a truly global one, and our hearts and affections are with all who are part of our global supply chain. From the artists who conceive of and design the products, to the manufacturers who produce it, to the logistics companies who transport it, to my colleagues at DEMDACO who help distribute it, to the retailers who present it, and to the consumers who purchase and (hopefully) delight in it. All of these folks play an important part in the chain, and all deserve our respect and thanks.
For Demi and I as owners, we actually started our company as a buying agent, living in Hong Kong. So we view ourselves as much a “Chinese” company as an “American (USA)” one. In fact, without our amazing partners in China, we would not exist as a company, and the (hopefully) lovely products that we bring to market could not lift the spirits they do. I know the people who work in these factories; they are wonderful mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and they lead good full lives. And the places they work help them to do that. And, they are really, really good at what they do. So I’m beyond grateful to them, and I respect them immensely.
The word that probably sums it up for us is the word mutuality. We hope, at DEMDACO, to promote mutuality, which is to say that we hope to honor all those involved in the life of a product from concept all the way through to consumer purchase (and hopefully enjoyment!).”
(Cammy [Demdaco employee] + me with our praying sticks, Hong Kong)
Demdaco has many employees on the ground in China who visit the factories on a regular basis, overseeing all production/quality/etc. I met many of these employees and loved loved loved seeing all that they do to help in the development of product! They are a seriously motivated and talented bunch – very much a family to one another. You will see a couple of them in today’s photos.
When it comes to the KRR Demdaco products, “made in China” could easily be “hand-made in China.” This is something I really want to bring into focus and celebrate. I can say this because I had the amazing opportunity to visit the artisan factories where the products are made. I met the owners of the factories, the employees, and watched for myself how the products are literally hand made by skilled and talented artisans.
It was mind blowing. Seeing my artwork reproduced to such quality, among such talented people who work so, so hard to do it well and with integrity…it was eye opening, humbling, and made me feel even more like I was just one small part of a village that makes all of this happen.
That is something that China deeply instilled in me: that the Demdaco KRR products are doing more than offering meaningful gift products in the industry, but they’re creating an impact among the global village that help make it all happen. From the people here in the US (the designers, the sales force, the retailers, etc) to the people a world away in China (the factory artisans, the Demdaco employees, etc) and all the places in between (transport, shipping, gift giving), these products travel miles and miles from concept to final product and then hopefully into the heart of a buyer/receiver. It takes a global village to make all of that happen. I want to celebrate that.
I also want to celebrate that for every single person inside that global village that helps create the product, an impact is made. Demdaco and I have received countless emails from people who have been touched by a product they received as a gift or something they bought for themselves in a store. But at the same time, these products are also creating jobs and boosting incomes, intimately creating abundance (big + small) for the people who make it all happen globally, and locally. It really is astounding. And I’m happy happy happy to be a part of it. The stories and the smiles from the men + women hand making the products in China was confirmation for me that these products are making a difference in ways I could have never imagined. Inspiring, humbling, and something I want to be a a part of. And something I want to celebrate.
That’s why we’re celebrating Demdaco this week. They are the village leader that is making it all happen, changing lives, and doing business the way it ought to be done.
I’m not sure what I expected when it came to the factories, but I was happily surprised to find that they looked surprisingly like an artists studio….artsy messes were everywhere with lots and lots of glue, paint, scrap materials and more.
(decorative art girlies, hand-made in China))
There were young men + women (as in twenty something year olds) sitting around large tables literally constructing, gluing, and painting the products inside big rooms that held all the supplies a typical working studio would hold: drying racks, stacks of materials, paint, trinkets, etc. They were chatting with one another just like you or I would when crafting.
(Here we are working on jewelry design. That’s Freddy to the right, a Demdaco employee)
It was like being a kid in a jewelry shop, constructing necklaces, bracelets and more. SO FUN. It was hard work though, with long days, and a ton of consideration and thought (a years worth) prior to the actual trip to China.
We traveled to several “showrooms” and literally designed jewelry pieces from the gems + stones + materials available to us in that particular vendor’s showroom. It was utterly fascinating to work like this. It was speedy, super inspiring, and required quick creative thinking.
We had our trusted GIANT notebook filled with a years worth of research, ideas, sketches, and more, including artwork to inspire color combinations and such…
(me + Zoyee)
A love story, these two sweethearts met because of the KRR line! She (Lena) worked at one of the factories in mainland China that creates the KRR products and he (Freddy) is a Demdaco employee who works closely with the factory. They met at the factory, fell in love, and got married while I was visiting! How’s that for awesome? LOVE!!!!!
One more thing before I go. One of the things I really loved about China in general was the way in which they choose beauty. It’s everywhere inside the tiniest of tiny details (including their packaging of medicine boxes!). One day we were leaving one of the factories and I noticed something out of the corner of my eye along the long row of bikes (bikes are a major mode of transport). There it was, bright and pink: a scrap piece of my art converted into a pretty bike seat cover. I couldn’t believe it! Not only are they helping me produce my work, they actually like it, too. I loved this more than I can say.
Fort those of you interested in seeing more photos of our trip to China, head on over here.
We’re giving away a little something special everyday this week in honor of Demdaco Appreciation Week here on the blog. Feel free to enter each day’s giveaways! We’ll be picking winners next week, including the winner to the all expense paid trip with me (see Monday’s post to enter that giveaway)!
For today’s giveaway:
*One lucky commenter will win $75 to spend on whatever they wish in the online shop.
*Another lucky commenter will win an original painting by me!
*TWO WINNERS!!!
Giveaway rules:
* To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in this post. Tell us what you are most enjoying about your summer (for me, it’s porch time in the afternoons with my family). Tell us if anything jumped out at you in this post – was it interesting. Did you learn something? We’d love to know!
* Just one comment per person, please.
* We’ll announce the winner soon.
* Go!
What I'm loving most about this summer is having my kids near me all day to share, hug and laugh with.
The simplicity of life. Watching cottonwood floating along the blue sky, above the gentle leaves rustling in the breeze, the wisps of hair from my twin daughters snuggling above as I lay on my blanket staring UP. Rarely, do I take the time to slow DOWN enough to just be there and enjoy the moment. When I do, it feels like I should be doing it all the time.
I want to enjoy this summer in a slow-paced fashion…time flys by, and the best way to enjoy it is to just sit and watch my 5 year old son delight in the sun, water, and sand!
Holy cow that's a lot of comments to read 🙂 Well, What I love about this summer is baby love.. Having a summer with a baby who is now crawling and experiencing so many new things, full of giggles and finger pointing is heartwarming. And..Starting art shows again..wahoo, so excited about that..And and 🙂 What I loved about your article is the tour through the process, seeing into the studio, seeing the people and your comment about how the products are making a difference in ways you could have never imagined. How following your passion, following your heart and soaring has made such a difference..Loved the bike seat too 🙂
Peace.. You are adorable
What I love to do in the summer: I sit in my sand chair on the beach digging my feet into the sand — reading a good book — and throw scraps of bread to the sea gulls and watch them scurry to be the first to gather their afternoon treat !!!!
I just finished watching the video of you and Dave K. (who seems to have a warm and gentle soul) and I did not do dishes or fold laundry while I watched.
I enjoyed everything you both said and I came up with an equation (I need spell check !!!) Lives Well Lived + True To Their Calling = Human Flourishing.
I believe that those who give back to those in our society who are in need are blessed in their own lives and business endeavors. I see it in local businesses.
I recently took an on-line class with Kristy T. (Scarlet-Lime) and throughly enjoyed it …. and what it taught me is that 'even though I thought I couldn't … I did !!!!'
I teach scrapping and mixed media at my LSS and I get so much joy and satisfaction from my students …. because I see that they are totally enjoying themselves and that brings joy to my soul.
I teach a mixed media canvas class and have come up with my 'own' mixed media angel and I LOVE HER …. that I teach.
I think that it does not matter how old you are when you are chasing your dream.
I think spending the day with you would be like spending the late afternoon on the beach !!!
Sincerely — Annie Lou Ricci
What I love for summer? I have more time to create and see your wonderfut art too! Thank you very much!
I was very surprised to see that your art was reproduced literally 'by hand'. This was really interesting to see!
What I love about this summer is that my daughter is getting married in 3 weeks. Its been fun planning her wedding!
I'm enjoying floating in the pool this summer!
I will look forward to our next Summer here in Australia. We've just moved into our new house with a large yard and amazing pool. Our boys will be able to roam free and use up LOADS of energy. I love the long days and cool nights and opening our house to entertain our friends and family.
xx love Demdaco's China workshop xx
This summer I'm learning how to teach Art Therapy. And I'm sooooo excited. I can't wait to start teaching where I live and using this in senior centers, girl's safe houses, etc… This is my summer of big daring adventure!
Loved your article…felt like we were there with you!…
makes you realise that ARTISTS come in many forms…They are all artists in their own way too,with each step of their process…
Its winter here now in NZ but I love all seasons because there's always something new…art in raindrops,old leaves,silhouettes of deciduous tree trunks,rainbows…etc etc
Summer means sitting outside on the deck and enjoying a nice glass of wine after work with friends.
I love how you spot creativity & beauty everywhere 🙂 What I love about summer is that my husband is a teacher, so a LOT gets done around the house when he's on break 😀
I loved reading about your experiences in China. I was very eye-opening to see the actual process being done by hand!
I love summer because I have 7 grandchildren under 7 and each one gets their time at the lake — a little boating, a little fishing, a little s'more making, a little firefly chasing. It's all good!
Hands down the best part of this summer is doing projects with all my girls. Recycled plastic bag projects, watercolors, a wacky guerilla photo project and of course all the collage projects…we're doing themes…the beach, girls, food and family.
Thanks again for always being an inspiration Kelly Rae!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love the sticky kisses from my three boys (5, 4, and 1 year!)that summer brings. Popsicle kisses, marshmallow kisses, watermelon kisses – you name it, I love it.
Post Script: I am so in love with your work. Your "Just Hold On" wall plaque inspires me each morning. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Hi Kelly Rae!
I cannot fathom how amazing it must have been to see all of the behind the scenes of your own product production! Those pictures and your stories are incredible. So cool.
My favorite part of this summer is laying out the big blanket under our tree in the back yard and hanging out with my husband and our 7 month old baby boy. I have thought many times, 'it might not get better than this. and that's okay.'
thanks for the chance to win! I adore your art!
I am loving the chance to be intentional with each choice i make. what i eat, where i go, what i spend my time doing. to me this post showed how intentional you are about being involved in the entire process. LOVE seeing how it all comes together and knowing that you are involved in all the bit and pieces 🙂
This is our first summer in TX and we are enjoying sunshine and HOT temps. We keep pool by going to a local water park 2-3 times a week. Summer also means lots of grilling and sipping a cool drink off our balcony.
There are actually 2 things that I love this summer: visiting my family back in Wisconsin (I live in NYC) and embracing Beth Nichols Do What You Love e-course. Thank you!
The photos from China were insightful, just amazing! You brought new meaning to the phrase "Made in China"!
KELLY RAE! This is the first time i've ever commented on your online journal, which I love. I want to create, i want to travel, I want to RUN! Thank you for ur inspirations. I would love a KRR bike seat cover! LOL. Also… what i love about summer is ICED COFFEE, even tho i drank it all winter too.
Well, my 'summer' hasn't really started yet: I'm an elementary school teacher and June is CRAZY busy! What I'm most looking forward to loving this summer is coffee chats on decks that go long into the night… bliss.
I do not support things made from China. US all the way
Summertime is the time to renew and reinvigorate – it's the time to make resolutions and work to keep them (yes, even losing 5 pounds), and a time to explore. I was enjoying your post exploring what you were doing in China, and the process.
Cindy
lovely article! we are planning to visit family very soon and see some mountains.
I love your enthusiasm and generosity in these giveaways. I think it makes your work that much more beautiful and inspirational. Have a wonderful week of celebration, Kelly Rae! 🙂
This summer my kids have been 'camping' like crazy. We don't camp at the usual State Park or even in the backyard. My kids (4 and 2) love to get out their sleeping bags and 'camp' on the living room floor or bedroom floor. Super cute.
I LOVED this post about China. I was fortunate enough to go to Hong Kong and mainland China twice (while working for a home decor catalog company)and LOVED it. Those trips were the most amazing experience! Did you go to the bird market? Anxious to hear more about your trip.
Evenings at the community center swimming with my husband and my two kids.
Amy Godwin
amy@denisegarcia.com
Dear little miss Roberts 😉 WOW! it is super cazy-amazing to see how your products are made! SUPAH COOL! One day sooooon, I'm gonna follow suit 😉
Summer ~ at the moment, I am spending time with my best friend in Canada & when I get back home, going to pack up my little house & move! AGAIN! xoxoxoxo
What I love most about summer is the light. That golden morning light, against the greens in the trees and the blue of the sky, lighting up gray buildings and turning them into gold. And being able to be outside to enjoy the light. Yup. Thanks for the chance to win some of your goodies, Kelli!
I love China. My daughter was born in China and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
One of the things I am enjoying this summer is exploring our neighborhood with my children. We are discovering new places and finding treasures to bring home.
buying a house and planning new and exciting decor ideas for our new digs!
What I am loving about summer is EVERYTHING!!! Winter and I definitely don't get along very well, so I am just grateful for sunshine, warm temps, flowers and green grass. Simple pleasures like gardening, running, sitting with my kitties on the porch all make me very happy…oh, and fresh vegetables too :)! LOVED seeing the tour of your art coming to fruition in China! You definitely made it seem more real and personal. Thanks for the peek!
I love summer for being able to have impromptu picnics, hanging out with friends on the balcony, summer readings, sunglasses …. Thnak you for the inspiration Kelly !
I am loving the prospect of this summer we just purchased our first home and I'll have my OWN front yard and back yard. I haven't lived in my OWN house since I was 9 – and even then it was my parents. I've been scoping out water barrels, dog composts and local flowers. So stoked. Lovely post. VERY exciting. True has one smart mama.
Dipping my feet in the not quite as freezing cold Ocean Beach water.
Elisa
http://happymoonmoon.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for sharing the journey that these pieces take and the lovely souls that make it all possible.
In our home…
Summer = Peace
I was FASCINATED to learn about how much CREATIVITY is going on in making your products in China. I sort of thought the creativity ended with your part of the process, but it isn't so. My favorite part of the summer is coming up – the week on Captiva Island each summer with my whole family! Love!
It's so nice to open my email and see one from you. Your art inspires and lightens my day. Thank you!!
Summer for me doesn't change my routine much (still working, still taking care of my dear son) but oh, how I enjoy the moments of bright sunshine. My world suddenly seems a little clearer and sharper after our long Pacific Northwest rainy winter & spring.
What I love about summer is it gives us time to travel to visit and stay with family we can't always be with. We hike, swim, go around and end up the days cooking or bbq all together. I loved seeing all your images, amazing to see all the hands working on creating the beautiful products. Theresa
I loved seeing how things are made for your line but I think my favorite part of the post is the love story and that you got to see the wedding.
My favorite part of this summer was that we actually took a vacation. My husband has been working tons this year so it was extra nice to have some time alone with him.
I'm loving the weather!!! And I loved learning about the relationships that you have with the larger family of your products in China. How awesome!
ann.swindell (at) gmail.com
I am loving summer school this summer. I am working on a Master's and found a couple of certificates to add on and am taking a class that is out of my zone, but it is awesome & I am learning so much.
I loved your post and seeing that people really make the work. It isn't just a factory line making all of the items!!
I love summer flowers and listening to the crickets chirp!
I love the behind the scenes looks at the production of your crafts but I am saddened that you and Demdaco are not using a manufacturer in the USA…
I love not having to wake the kids up and the rush/stress of getting them to school on time! It's a vacation for me too! I was amazed that all of your work is really created by hand! Just amazed! It really takes a village – or in this case a world!!! love it – we are helping each other and that's what it's all about!
Sum-sum-summertime! I am loving the brightness & length of the days and the extra time to work on my art! Sooo thankful for that after a long, grey winter here in extreme northern California (up near Oregon border)…
Thank you for the peek behind-the-scenes and the opportunity for such fantastic winnings!
I am amazed at how much of each piece is made by hand. Wonderful! My favorite part of the summer is CAMPING! I love camping with my family. Best part of the summer!