Highlighting a naturalist or botanical print with a French mat is an artisanal and historical method of framing the work. This reproduction of a naturalist drawing of a lizard is one of a small group. Read on for the back story.
According to masterclass.com, a milliner was originally a word used to describe a resident of Milan, Italy. Milliners are “hatmakers who specialize in bespoke headpieces…” The millinery profession gained prominence in the 1800’s and is still practiced today.
Monochromatic dressing in latte colors is appealing to me as a break from black. What happens when a sample of unknown latte colored fabric from the remnant rack is upcycled into maxi slip skirt?
A newly discovered passion is making table linens. My most recent venture combines an interest in printmaking with an inspiration from Fortuny.
Enjoyment can be found in setting a table in the library, drawing room, dining room, on the terrace, or in the garden! We’ve repurposed a vintage tiger maple cabinet similar in size to a linen press by adding a freestanding interior shelf system for place mats, tablecloths, large candlesticks, and the like.
Years ago we wanted to have slipcovers made for our dining room chairs which were then upholstered in solid black fabric. The tailor referred to a slipcover as a bespoke suit of clothing custom made for our chairs. So it seemed, as the butter yellow cotton duck covers with scalloped edges and tiny self-covered buttons down the back rivaled any dress in my closet.
During the holiday season or anytime, you may enjoy creating some traditions for enjoyable evenings at home. For us, having dinner together is always enjoyable. What would it be alter the setting and have dinner in front of the fireplace while listening to an opera?
Here in the Texas Hill Country the shoes most often on my feet are Keen lightweight ankle boots for hiking. Their extreme comfort and ruggedness stand up to the 40 step trek to the second tier of our land and beyond, over ledges and loose rocks and ripples. Still, there are moments when it’s time to don something with another type of flair. In this post we’ll take a closer look at shoes; so much more than covers for the feet.
Though we may associate toile with French decoration, this storied fabric was quite popular in colonial American interiors and has experienced a resurgence in both interior design and fashion.
My last post introduced the idea of a walled garden or in Latin, hortus conclusus. Creating a walled garden or any garden in the limestone beds of the Texas Hill Country requires a steadfast effort, an iron will, and a love and respect for nature.