Written and Photographed by Karen Rifkin Before entering the fenced-in area of hedgerow plantings, a flock of friendly rams trot up, eagerly, to see if it’s feeding time. Realizing their exertion is for naught, they just as quickly disperse back into the field at the Hopland Research and Extension Center, a 5,358-acre working ranch and […]
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Handcrafted at Ace ‘N The Hole Ranch
Written by Marie Hoff and photographed by Paige Green Ace Vandenack is a crafter. Together with his wife, Pam, the couple has crafted a farm, a fiber business, and a life for themselves in the verdant green hills of far Northern California, in conifer-treed Humboldt County. They have built everything from the ground up, including […]
Read MoreWith Sincere Sheep, Change Begins One Skein at a Time
Written by Sasha Wirth and photographed by Noelle Gaberman While it is common for a sheep to be called mild, helpless, gentle, or wooly-minded, Lincoln wasn’t like the rest of the flock. Lincoln was “a sincere sheep,” wrote his owner. And it was this humble and candid description that stayed with Brooke Sinnes for a […]
Read MoreEngaging Art & Nature with Spiritplay Toys
Written and photographed by Koa Kalish On the winding road that leads to the wild coastal shore of Sonoma County, CA, you will reach the quaint, sleepy town of Bodega. Nestled between the world-famous Northern Light Surf Shop and Colleen’s Coffee Shop lies the toy studio. A small cedar-shingled shack with a red-painted door and […]
Read MoreExploring the Tactility of Color with BioHue
Written and photographed by Sarah Lillegard. Mid-morning light comes through a window in Judi Pettite’s studio, casting a glow on the boxes of fabric and paintings in progress. Pinned to one of the walls is an installation of dyed coffee filters, the grid of them making a spectrum of color. With a closer look, each […]
Read MoreA Relationship of Trust with Sierra Rose Alpacas
Written and photographed by Sarah Lillegard except as noted Sadie, at a week old, is running around the paddock dodging other alpacas as she makes her way up the hill and around the barn. She is one of two crias, (pronounced “kree-ah”) born this season at Sierra Rose Alpacas. Watching her unfettered laps through the […]
Read MoreHolding Space for Creativity at Fiber Circle Studio
Written by Amanda Fisk and photographed by Noelle Gaberman, except as noted. Tucked into the Sonoma County town of Cotati, Fiber Circle Studio is a haven of experience in the fiber arts, and a space for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding. A place where anyone can come to learn or explore the world of […]
Read MoreRenaissance Woman of Today: Starbuck Station Wools
Written by Amanda Fisk; Photographed by Paige Green In the quiet countryside of the Sonoma Coast, a fairly long, slightly steep, single-lane road winds its way up to Starbuck Station Wools—the home, studio and sales place of Martha Cant. Martha grows wool and indigo, as well as other dye plants. She raises Cormo and Wensleydale […]
Read MoreSheepie Dreams Of Love And Dedication
Written by Taya Badgley; Photographed by Koa Kalish If you ever find yourself in need of an inspiring excursion, or an excellent chutney recipe I suggest a visit to Sandra Charlton’s Sheepie Dreams farm. There’s a very good chance your outing will re-invigorate, and quite possibly leave you with a jar of chutney for the […]
Read MoreClimate Beneficial Design: with Heidi Iverson, Ashley Eva Brock, and Industry of All Nations
Celebrating the collaborations that transform materials from soil to skin, we set out to visit each designer creating a full look for the Climate Beneficial Fashion Gala. Here we share excerpts from three conversations: read on for inspiration from their design practices and pathways to sustainability, and how each consumer, designer, and the fashion industry […]
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