Autumn leaves

from William Sonoma originally intended for pastry crusts

are my latest inspiration for new ceramic designs

The gravy boat created for my sweet neighbor who opens her home to the neighborhood

and a matching bowl with biscotti to share.

Another simple vase design in translucent color glazes with 

 a few leaves created to sprinkle across the table for decoration.

Happy Autumn!

Doily collection

This post came about as my dear friend Meryl and I were talking about her upcoming issue of Romantic Homes, featuring flea markets.

We were discussing how her readers display their treasured collections, and I shared with her some of my ideas and a simple project that I had done using my vintage doily collection that is super easy and fun!

This is what you will need...

a collection of miscellaneous sized doilies 

a solid colored table cloth

thread to match the doily color

sewing needle (optional)

scissors

Instructions...

Dress your table with a freshly ironed table cloth.

Beginning in the center and working your way out to each 

end of the table, lay your doilies out so that their edges are just touching.

This is much like working on a jigsaw puzzle.

For this look, you want it to be long and narrow.

When you have them laid out to your satisfaction,

using a needle and thread tie them together with a simple 

double knot.

 

This keeps them from moving about.

Continue adding until you are satisfied with the result.

I like it, just spilling off the tables edge.

This doily runner could be laid down the center of a solid 

colored  bedspread for added interest, 

when not in use on the dining room table.

Happy Mother's Day!


And for another vintage doily tablecloth idea click here.

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Seashore Winter Wonderland

I finally have a day off!

I sleep in, and later while savoring my favorite breakfast, dark chocolate, I take time to listen to the ideas that have been percolating in my imagination for some time now.

I choose to ignore the stacks of paperwork and invoicing that is overtaking the breakfast room table and take myself off to my studio to gather all the bits and pieces that are calling my attention to be part of the seashore themed holiday table decoration.

The little tree below was found @ TJ Maxx $3.50

and perfect to begin with.

Then miscellaneous silver toned foliage is gathered

and fun finds from a local shop in town.

The sea fan and shells are sprayed with silver metallic paint

and lovely glass treasures collected in Venice, Italy are pulled to include

with more seashells

and a some of my own ceramic creations

and a few more bits and bobs that may want to be included

are all gathered and artfully piled on a simple white dish 

and the picture that has been in my imagination

slowly comes to fruition before my eyes,

and then is captured under a glass cloche.

I LoVe when that happens!

The photo above is of the back side.

And a couple close ups for your viewing pleasure.

Happy Thanksgiving dear friends,

I am grateful to share the fun and creativity!

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Happy Spring

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Happy Spring !

a little creative fun with new plants for the garden

visiting inside for a few days

Happy Easter !

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Easter Greetings

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Merry & Bright Tablescape

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I began with an old mirror as a base on top the cocktail table

{ the mirror was an alley find }

to reflect the sparkle & lights thru out the room

holiday decorating continues around the cottage...

{ view how the mirrored tree was created here }