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!!!

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.

 

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.

"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. 

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?

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.