Home Décor Imitating Nature

Home décor follows the seasons. There’s a reason for that. In the natural world, new plant life emerges in spring, grows, and then dies off in fall. Regardless of whether a person has a real interest in being outdoors, our lives follow the cycle of the seasons by default- just consider our shopping habits- end of summer school clothes, holiday gifts and who doesn’t need a new bag come spring? Related Images:
Read More

American Crafting- Handmade in America

As the weather continues flip flopping to spring, we keep the stoves cranking one day and clean them out the next. No question the signs of change are in the air. We’re spending all our time indoors working and planning for the coming months. I try to avoid looking at the little green shoots outside sending up a general alert about cleaning the  garden. (I’m not ready for that!) Related Images:
Read More

Artists Convene at American Craft Council Show

Paola Prints was juried into the flagship show of the American Craft Council, held February 17-21, at the Baltimore Convention Center. Seemed wise to walk the show this year and make plans for 2017-as I’d never been to it. It was fun! It was good  to compare it with my visit to NY NOW a couple weeks ago. I met lots of talented artists and all around good people. Related Images:
Read More

Chasing Sunny Days

It’s finally become snowy and gray as we’ve moved quickly into winter here in Connecticut (not much time left-yeah!). Thoughts turn to sunny days.…Yes, that’s my lovely hosta Classic pillow hiding in the Spring azaleas. Related Images:
Read More

Fetching Fabric in February

I sliced into a photo from a paper wasp nest to create a backdrop for the red pillow I call Rosa. Happy Valentine’s in advance! Nature’s fabric is a recurring theme in my artwork- I see it in every plant, flower or…insect nest. Related Images:
Read More

Carnival Indulgence

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 is Carnevale! Carnevale is an ancient celebration that goes back to the Middle Ages.  Of course, I’m a fave of the Italian version. But no matter the country, if you’re reading this post? Your job is to find a way to party today, part time, all day or tonight. It could be as simple as special food or…a treat for home or office. Related Images:
Read More

Hidden Roses and Paola Prints

Growing up, we took lots of road trips. My mother was always well prepared. We had all kinds of reading, books with puzzles and word completion games. My favorites were always the ones with hidden pictures or comparing seemingly similar photos, trying to find the ways they were different. Related Images:
Read More

NY NOW Naturally

Heading out to NY NOW Tuesday to do homage to many who are displaying their wares and scores of others who shop for new products for the coming year. At present, displaying at Javitts isn’t what this artist is choosing to do with her dollars. I always attend to better understand the general consensus for design, trends and colors. In the end I let nature take its course. Related Images:
Read More

Texture becomes a home

Texture has been the buzzword in home decor since people migrated away from bright colors. As you know, if you’ve been observing the unfolding of Paola Pillows, I could never walk away from intense colors. I have strong opinions about color and I blog about it! Related Images:
Read More

Green Flash

The hot new color in the top ten for this Spring is Pantone’s Green Flash. With the first snowfall here in Litchfield behind us, thoughts  turn again to planting. Well, planning for it anyway. Consider repotting some houseplants. Several of mine are patiently waiting for me to help them out. Related Images:
Read More