Textiles- Making History Through Innovation

Having sewn since childhood, I still remember walking to the store to buy lace and fabric at fractions of a yard to make doll clothes. I am passionate about textiles of all kinds and at a certain point I was making banners with recycled materials from dresses we wore. This is the first banner I made- many years ago- the pink was velour from the bridesmaids’ dresses at my brother’s wedding.  The banner reminds me very much of the Japanese “Boro” tradition. Very cool. I still remember where each piece came from. Textile literally means “that which has been woven”.
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What’s Your Style? From Bridal to Home and Garden

My daughter is getting married in June. We just found The Dress. After much hand wringing and tooth pulling, it appeared effortlessly- as in a dream. (I’m not kidding- it was the stuff of reality TV) The dress is hiding in my closet shielded from all eyes until the fitting happens. Well, almost…see the faint print in the couch behind the Paola’s Palma pillows…? The entire dress bodice is encrusted with seed pearls and sparkles- in true princess style. Related Images:
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Valentine’s Day 2017

Today’s image is all about GREEN-It’s been snowing for days in New England. The world outside is white. Then I remembered…it’s Valentine’s! Like many other holidays, Valentine’s has its roots in ancient times. Related Images:
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Flowers For Every Season

Flowers have always fascinated me. I’ve never quite understood why they’re invariably associated with being delicate or fragile. Because they’re beautiful? Personally, I connect with flowers much more as survivors, wonderfully changeable and strong in life, no matter the adversity thrown their way. Sort of like..women. Related Images:
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Relationship Building Through Home Remodeling

Renovating home and garden is challenging no matter how you do it. The real question is how do you arrive at remodeling solutions pleasing to both parties? The drawing above is a winter rendering showing some proposed iron gates so we can see how they’ll look in place. Related Images:
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Romancing The Relationship With Your Home

This week I’ve been working on some new designs. Roses have always been a passion of mine. The rose image above was re-created from a pillow called Perfect- which at the time had minimal handwork in its final print. These two rose images began from a single photo and are in an evolving relationship. Stay tuned here every week for more and totally new patterns too. Related Images:
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Wrought Iron Instills History in the Garden

If you’re following us, you’ll recognize the path we’ve been on the last several weeks- in search of a fence to enclose the garden- and finally a wrought iron fence. I love it! Found it in Albany at Executive Antiques. They’re closing their doors, so you have to hurry if you want to get some great gates for yourself! Related Images:
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Milkweed and Garden Gates in January

By now, many people know that monarch butterflies can’t survive without milkweed- a caterpillar’s only food. These milkweed pods have already burst to show their beautiful seeds. I’m crazy about this plant. In late fall, you can see fields full of them blowing wantonly in the sun. Of course, in my case, I enjoy milkweed for its unique style – seeds exploding out of their pods in late fall. Related Images:
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