Aspiring Artistry

To Market We Go!

I'm off to browse showroom after showroom, building after building of fine (and some not-so-fine) furniture, accessories, art, lighting , and all things decor-related.

Ahhh, High Point, North Carolina, I've missed you so. For so many years you were a twice-annual inspiration filled, exausting week.

Now that I'm no longer officially in the retail world, my need to come to the market is null. Luckily, my former business partner still goes, and we make a good team on such trips.

I still do some small projects here and there with her, mostly marketing-focused. I enjoy these occasional trips back to market with her to keep my hand in the game. Because you never know what the next big idea could be...

For the next three days, I'll get to act as design assistant of sorts, helping her keep track of the schedule, enjoying as she selects and orders for various clients, visiting some of my favorite showrooms, snapping pics, and soaking it all up.

The Sweet Spot

It's a tricky spot. Everyone's got one. If you're lucky, you have dedicated container of sorts for all the stuff that accumulates.

These spots tend to be on the counter next to the stove, on a shelf above the stove, or maybe in a handy cabinet below the stove.  Most seem to have a few similar ingredients, like salt, pepper, and cooking spray, and then other ingredients based on your particular cooking style. Mine has cinnamon, red pepper, and usually a head of garlic.

When I came across this antique brass and walnut book rack at an antique sale, I knew exactly where it should live!

While it would certainly look lovely with books, it will be even more useful in the kitchen (next to the stove!) to corral all the bottles and jars.

I've set it up with a few of the things I love, knowing that soon it will be overflowing with other spices and sweets. For now, three of my favorite food-related books, a small painted horn bowl and spoon purchased on my most recent trip to Kenya, and a white sugar dish given by my mother.

Ahhhh ... beauty + organization = satisfaction.

Textures

Here and there, I've been gathering up things that seem to have a common theme ... texture. Whether real or illustrated, these beautiful treasures either feel distinct to the touch, or give the illusion of such touch.

Check out this beautiful French wire tray that I found at a  flea market last month. It's fairly small, just a bit shorter than an envelope, and I love it's gently curved sides and delicate, yet sturdy, wire frame.

In a local home furnishings store last week, I saw this remarkable paper on their walls. I immediately thought about the walls on which I'm contemplating grass cloth, and decided I had to have a sample to bring home. 

The multilayered paper is a combination of metallic finishes and cork products. It is fantastic! It's a Candice Olson branded paper, but I couldn't find the exact one on the website.

And last, but certainly not least, this super-cool faux-bois packing tape. I have no packages to send at present, but come Christmas, this will be decorating my kraft paper boxes. Or maybe some simply-wrapped gifts under the tree!

Coming Soon

I have so many good photographs to share with you, but have misplaced totally lost the USB cord for my camera and my card reader doesn't work on the new HD cards. I bought a new one from Target last night, but it's a piece of *@&^# and doesn't work, so I'm off to a real store today.

Hope to share some great pics of my flea market finds, some fantastic wallpaper that I'm slobbering over, and a pretty centerpiece I made for our recent dinner. Wish me luck!

A Perfect Saturday Morning

Breakfast out. (No coffee in the house).

A neighborhood yard sale and chance encounter with an old friend.

Gifts given to the little people.

Puttering around the house with no real plan.

Dad and little people off to activity.

Preparing for a small dinner party with dear friends and a new baby.

The neighborhood butcher shop. Beautiful and bright, and full of possibilities for dinner.

Finding great wines and buying more than I need.

A quiet house ... me and my chores. And a great new audio book.

Rearranging furniture. Just because.

Peeling pounds and pounds of butternut squash to make a favorite soup.

Sitting by the window, at my newly re-arranged desk, typing it all out.

Dreaming about a bath later this afternoon.