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A Modern Take on Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts: Part I

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This is the story of the creation of a handwritten manuscript with tinted and illustrated opening letters for each chapter. As with most objects made by hand, the manuscript is the result of reading, research, reflection, and a sequence of laborious actions. Laborious meaning “a process or journey requiring considerable effort and time.” (Oxford Language dictionary). The story will be told in several parts with Part I being the description of the seeds of the idea and some of the initial decision-making about the content and process.

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Wood Paneling, Wainscoting and Boiserie: Wall Covering Ideas Revisited

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The first time I saw wood paneling was a room encased in carved oak linenfold paneling aged to a deep brown. As a lover of fabric, it was difficult to tear myself away from a wall of rippling wooden “fabric”. This post will be a gathering of ideas about wood paneling, wainscoting, and boiserie and how it inspired me to repurpose leftover building materials.

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Unique Skirts Create Joy

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In an article by Olivia Allen on January 27th, British Vogue predicts “Spring 2026 Will Be Defined by the ‘Bonkers’ Skirt”. Unique skirts are a way to “…spark joy” and as noted by senior sustainability and features editor Emily Chan, “Paired with a simple black roll neck (turtleneck), it’s an easy way to inject some fun without having to try too hard.”

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Journal Sketches Capture Developing Ideas

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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!

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Window Shopping for Design Inspiration

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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.

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Blooming Skirts!

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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.

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