faded beauty...

I love my fresh flowers but hate to throw them away when they are done.  To make them last, I photograph them. It's fun to create little vignettes with flowers using props from my shop.
Their faded beauty stands out more alongside chipping cast iron, distressed painted backdrops, rustic woods, tarnished silver, oxidized metal. Just a few of my favorite things!

Hope they brought you warmer thoughts if you are experiencing the cold winter we are here in NY!

Jennifer Lanne's painting class...highlight of the weekend!

I am a longtime fan of artist Jennifer Lanne. The day I found out about the painting classes she was holding in her barn studio in upstate NY, I was ecstatic! I think I registered before even looking at my calendar. I would make it work. Luckily the weather was OK (a lot of rain but at least it wasn't snow!), for our 4 hour ride to her farm. You can see a picture tour of her gorgeous farmhouse HERE in this Country Living feature.  Jennifer and her husband Richard are so talented and were so sweet. She has more classes lined up if you are interested in taking a class which I strongly suggest if you are a painter or have always wanted to try painting. Jennifer is a great teacher! But don't wait to sign up - her classes fill up quickly!  You can find her class info HERE.

A lot of fun! The girls came from all over NY and CT. I love how each painting has a very different look. They thought my painting had a shabby look to it - PERFECT! I made it for our youngest daughter's bedroom. She was so excited to hang it over her bed.

Christmas favorites 2013...

So it's a week after Christmas and I'm finally getting to enjoy our decorations. The parties, cooking, baking, creating and wrapping are done. This is when I get to relax for a bit and take it all in (before I take it all down). I LOVE my business but boy does it get harder every year to juggle it all from October thru December. Thankfully my sister hosted Christmas day this year and that was one thing I could take of my long to do list!  
So before it all comes down, I took some photos of my favorites to share with you all.

Welcome!

Changed up the entry a little bit with a recently painted dresser/vanity. I really like it! I think it may be a keeper. I better take it off my website!

Throughout the house you will see the use of a lot of fresh greens cut from my yard or some preserved greens tucked in different places.

The Bistro sign was another piece that was for sale but we decided to keep. My husband loved this one too much to sell! I do love it in the dining room. A great use for an old armoire door. You may have one of your own around the house!

A rustic box makes a great versatile centerpiece.  I filled this one with burlap wrapped candleholders, preserved cedar, birch twigs, pinecones, dried pomegranates and artichokes.

A pretty vignette on a sideboard tray.

The front hall mirror found a new home over the fireplace. I love the elegant design over the rustic brick. This wall will soon receive a complete makeover. I used mostly artificial greens over the fireplace for obvious reasons.

A favorite cozy spot in the den. I especially love seeing the little ones peak inside the windows of the Christmas village.

Love this ornament - a new favorite - a gift from a friend.
May you leave a little sparkle everywhere you go!

We are expecting a pretty good blizzard tonight in NY. Be safe everyone!