Tabletop treasures

Romantic Homes Magazine asked me to share a few

tips and tricks...

for adding holiday sparkle to our tabletops in this months issue.

.

Here are a few suggestions...

Consider using mirrors in a variety of ways on your tablescape,

mirrors are wonderful for reflecting light & colors

and even better when paired with candlelights flickering!

Silver with whites are great neutrals.

Add a pop of your favorite holiday color to the neutral color scheme

even pink or turquoise,

by piling your treasured ornaments into a beautifully cut crystal bowl.

Costume jewelry is great for additional holiday sparkle,

raid grandmother's jewelry box for embellishments

on place tags, napkin holders, wreaths and Christmas stockings.

Grandfather's pocket watch adds family history,

sentiment and interest.

Combining old, cherished pieces with new purchases creates original recycling chic,

especially when using collectibles with a family history.

Silver spray paint on dried leaves, berries and pine cones

are rich embellishments and cost so little,

displayed with a nest created out of tinsel

and a bird topping it adds to the sparkling nature scene.

Consider decorating the table with positive quotes

in place of name tags

or as the focal point of the centerpiece.

Whatever you choose to do,

enjoy the process and have a happy holiday !

To view how the mirror tree was created click here

Grateful for the opportunity to share the fun !

Snowflakes ...

.beginning with this little stamp for a template

and thinking icy cold

for the color scheme,

I choose silver & blue

and doodle on paper first

enjoying the process

( shown here )

I pull out a bisque dish,

just back from firing

and continue playing with multiple blue glazes

for a new dish design.

Then using the original sketch I create this sweet card.

...just a little Sunday fun in the studio today

Playing with Lisa Letterista !

It was pure

JOY

playing with Lisa Engelbrecht

and all the cool supplies she has.

Beginning with this simple stamp she shared

and my imagination took off.

Not being one who likes coloring inside the lines,

I began doodling with various calligraphy pens

and gold polish

( actually, nail polish )

and expanded on the original design,

over and over

again.

I highly recommend taking the time to play.

My imagination is spinning with all sorts of other possibilities!

.

The Hunger Bowl...

created for the

silent auction of the

Annual National Hunger and Homeless

Awareness Week

Check out the other uniquely designed bowls donated by local and renowned artists.

And it's for a great cause, so please bid generously !

Read more about the event here

.....................'tis the season of giving !

.

The quote of the day

...just a little creative fun in the studio today

using bits and scraps

the white knotted handle off a gift bag

entwined with a remnant of black satin ribbon

bits of an old nylon luggage strap cut

to fit around a pastel pencil

then fabric glued and pinned in place until it dried

a gessoed board bordered in black

and 2 holes drilled at the top

then the center painted with chalkboard paint

and the quote of the day

added for inspiration becomes

the perfect gift for your Francophile friends !