Journal Sketches Capture Developing Ideas
For many of us keeping a journal is a way to capture our emerging thoughts and ideas. Sketching enables me to work through the details before becoming enmeshed in the act of creation. Simply because an idea has occurred doesn’t guarantee its coming to fruition. This sketch of a library table painted in a chinoiserie inspired pattern is an example of an idea generated sketch which helped me see it wasn’t a good idea!
Winter Blooms Inside and Out
During the holidays many of us may hang wreaths or decorate a fir tree. Some may drape a mantel or staircase in garlands of greenery. This dried boxwood wreath is one of four we like to hang in our home beginning at Thanksgiving. The seller said the wreaths would likely last for four months; it […]
Window Shopping for Design Inspiration
There is a joy in the unhurried stroll down a paved sidewalk lined with curated shops. Windows sparkle and pull us closer. What to notice first; the graphic lettering of the shop name or that of the proprietor, the arrangement of the objects, the drape of the fabric…all can provide us with inspiration for interior design, garden design, clothing design, and the art of arranging.
Blooming Skirts!
Flowers inspire me and are the subject of much of my creative work but when it comes to clothing my choice is usually a solid color and most often black, cream, tan, or navy. However, in the past few years designers have been using floral fabric in ways that could tempt even a a stark minimalist.
Creating an Exceptional Laundry Room
Current design images reveal our growing interest in creating a more profound space in our laundry rooms. This laundry room with its large wooden ironing table covered in fabric, freshly cleaned clothing hanging on multiple lines in a sunny window, and a mending table in the corner is an idealized reflection of laundry rooms of the 1800’s.
Repurposing a Classic Suit Jacket
My journal is, among other things, a place to remember, record, and refine ideas in the works. When thinking about making or redesigning apparel it often helps to sketch out the idea and think about how to proceed. Fashion designers typically create sketches and/or drape fabric on mannequins or models before creating the final design. in this case, we begin with three webbed belts and a classic blazer from my skirt suit days.
Storied Objects – The Ivory Box
On February 13, 2025, I published a piece on this blog discussing the way objects with stories can personalize and enliven our homes. Today’s piece is a continuation of the series within the blog about storied objects. This rose carved ivory box is a storied object…
Adding More Romanticism– Creating Your Own Candlesticks
Candles and candlelight are both an indulgence and a necessity. Lighting candles at the table every night; it’s amazing how a bit of candlelight can elevate even the simplest of meals. My first experience dining by candlelight was in Williamsburg, Virginia where candles were the only source of light at the King’s Arms Tavern. Even now, on this rainy summer morning there are candles burning here in the library where I am writing.
Garden Living Spaces
A recent post described moving this table and chairs to the garden and prompted me to expand on the idea with a post about outdoor living spaces. We know we should spend time out of doors and better yet, work in our gardens, but do we know how to create outdoor spaces enhance our enjoyment?
Realizing a Great Idea in the Garden
It is fascinating to me to trace the origin of an idea or a thought. It is likely you are noticing more than you realize as you experience the moments in a day. It may take months or even years for an idea to reach full fruition and action. This is the story of how an enchanting hotel garden we frequented seven years ago influenced the way we live today.