Sunday, September 9, 2012

Fall 2012

Sooo ready for fall.....are you?  Outside...............................                          
                 




                                                      ....and in!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Barni, named because she lived in our miniature horse's barn until she worked her way into our house (heart).  She was number eight; does this make me a hoarder?

Monday, February 20, 2012

Collections

                         
                               I really do have a collection of roosters!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Primitive Red Bench

Do you have a favorite piece of furniture?  This is one of mine; an old, red primitive bench.  The great thing about these (yes, there were two of them!) is they were FREE.  The Colonel's cousin's neighbor (are you following this?) was going to take them to the dump.  Knowing how much I liked them, the cousin snagged both for me.  Now, to get free furniture from Nashville to me.  One really large truck and a very nice driver, and they were mine.  One Man's trash........                                                               
And it seems the bench may be Jackson's favorite, too.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Winter Wedding

Weddings are always so special; a reflection of a couple's perfect day.  Last weekend, I was blessed to be a part of Devon and Griffin's winter wedding.  With this theme in mind, I designed Devon's bouquet to be the soft color of snow with the sparkle of ice.
Before the flowers even arrived, the ice was wired.
Aren't the roses amazing?  There is something so beautifully simple in all- white flowers.
This is the finished bouquet; snow and ice.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Perspective

For anyone with OCD, you know what it is too lose something; you become obsessed (the O in OCD!) with finding it.  As I was working at my computer, I looked down and realized a stone was missing from my engagement ring, the ring I had had re-mounted only a week ago.  Since it was a tiny side diamond, there was no way that was going to show up, but then I could not find the receipt.  Shamefully, I will tell you I looked for two hours, to include looking in the same places more than once (isn't this the definition of insanity--doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results?)  But after looking through the garbage--twice--I found it!  Thank you Lord.  Then back at the computer, I visited A Holy Experience, Ann Voskamp's blog.  She spoke of the 2012 lists of gifts we should look for this year.  I added my name to the many others that have committed to doing this.  That was when I realized, I needed to give thanks for finding perspective.  Right this moment I have several friends facing life-changing situations; they would trade their problem for my lost rock.  But in reality, we just need the Rock.  Perspective, I am grateful I found it.

The Things You See at Market

How's this for a light fixture?!  When I first saw this from a distance, it was hard to tell what was going on.  But up close--oh my---real birds!  The things you see.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Meet the Designer

One of the most exciting parts of market is meeting those artists whose designs you love!  Margaret Haire of Maggie's Memories was there to showcase her vintage inspired holiday decor, and memories they do bring back.  Her tiny, glittered ornaments remind me of the ones my family used on our tree.  She was so friendly and welcoming, even though she, like the rest of us, had had a long week.
These are a few of her lovely pieces.  Don't they bring back memories?  I was pleased to share my ideas with Margaret and introduce her to Pinterest; how exciting to get someone else hooked on this.  Her designs will be a part of Cricket's holiday display and knowing the designer will give them so much more meaning for us.  Thank you, Margaret for sharing.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Christmas in January!!

Wow!  Let me just say going to market to buy for a store can be OVERWHELMING!!!   Now, add to that, buying Christmas decor.  As with most of you, by January I am so over santa and elves and red and green---you get the picture.  However,  there are alot of great decorating ideas for the holidays, and I snapped  pics of some of the good ones.
If you have an empty birdbath during the winter months, this would be a good way to use it for the holidays and beyond.  With live greens, this would be beautiful through the whole season.  Add some birdseed, and multi-purpose!  Huge statement pieces were in all the showrooms....followed by lots and lots of snowmen.     Maybe we can pin these for next year?

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Atlanta Market

Just back from the Atlanta Market on a buying trip for Crickets.  Lots of pictures and ideas to share.  First, though, I have a "winter" wedding to direct and do florals for (pics of this to follow).  Can't wait to share!!!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Collections or Accumulations

Recently, a worker at my house asked if I collected roosters.  I said No! (a sophisticated designer like me; seriously!)   Then I looked around the room and realized I did have ALOT of roosters that I had accumulated over the years.  This started me thinking, I hadn't set out to start a fowl collection, but in acquiring those things that spoke to me,  I had an accumulation of them.
As a designer,  I often have to caution clients not to buy something just because it's the right color or fills a space.  Instead, take the time to find those pieces that speak to you or have a special meaning for you.  The lamp at the left is a perfect example of this.  Some of you may recognize this from a Goodwill commercial from several years ago. They suggested that if you inherited such a lamp and wanted to get rid of it, bring it to Goodwill.   My lamp was a gift from a dear friend and comes with a very funny (but long ) story. 
So to collect or acquire?  I say take your time and find those touches that best represent YOU and your taste.  A good designer can steer you in the right direction, but ultimately the final choice should be what speaks to you.    Can you hear my roosters crow?     
Accumulations are always more interesting, as they are less pretentious than collections.. They just happen.  As I was writing this, I realized much of what I design and display with has become a collection of sorts, and this is the fun of design.
 

Friday, January 6, 2012

This is Beatrice Sugarboo, and this is her chair.  Wouldn't it be nice to walk by a chair and think "I believe I will take a little catnap", and just fall fast asleep?  No problems, no worries;  just chase mice in your dreams.   Ahh, to be a cat.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

"Let It Snow!"

After all the Christmas decorations are packed away,  the house seems  less of a cheerful space,  especially during the winter months.   So, instead of boxing up the snowmen,  they spend the winter on my island.   Actually,  my island is a favorite display spot for all occasions.  
  This guy is from a line I produced for a store several years ago.  He's kinda of a bobble-head as he is based on an old bedspring!
The whole grouping is arranged on an old metal tray from Crickets in Livingston, TN  ( this is the store where I do most of my design work---more on them in later posts).   This will carry me through 'til it's time for all things warm and springy!    Let it SNOW. 

Monday, January 2, 2012

Boxes

        Christmas is packed away for another year.  What exactly did pioneer women do with all their stuff before we had cardboard boxes?  Well, they may not have had as much stuff as we do now, but, still they must have had to store something.  I really love a good cardboard box, and luckily, I work for a store that is blessed with these almost everyday.  And I hate throwing away a good box; knowing that there will always be more things to pack.  Did I mention that these multiply while hibernating in my attic?

Sunday, January 1, 2012

There is something about a new calendar.  It is fresh and clean and uncluttered.  Each day is scheduled ( a must for those of us with OCD); planned just as we wish.  This, of course, lasts for a day?  Then life happens, and appointments are scratched out and rescheduled, problems arise;  emergencies happen;  life with all its various changes.  But for today,  my planner is fresh and clean and uncluttered.