Summertime Shopping and Etsy

The temperatures have been hovering in the 90’s, for the past few days in North Carolina, so we have already felt summer’s arrival.  June 21st is the official date for the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere.  We are tilted closer to the sun, thus the effects of the abounding warmth.  Summertime also seems to be the season for a greater abundance, in casual living, and a little relaxed style is in order.

                Printable Paper Art From Herculiz Shop - Etsy

For some reason, my designing eyes turn to things more organic and playful in their design.  What better place to find that sort of item than Etsy?  For those unfamiliar with Etsy, their tagline is, “Your place to buy & sell all things handmade.”  You could sit for hours browsing through all of the talented artisans’ shops.  Not only can you find beautiful, unique things for your home, there are many gift items, as well. When traveling back and forth to see family and friends, how nice it would be to bring a little treasure, that of which they would not see in every shop on the corner.

 

              Michelle Prosek – Glass Tiles – Starfire Studios - Etsy  

The handmade tiles, pictured above, fascinate me, because of the steps the artist goes through, to achieve the beautiful depth and dimension – and in about ninety hours of time.  They are hand carved and hand fused.  Michelle Prosek, the Canadian artist, will ship just about anywhere, so it isn’t necessary to make the trip to Ontario . . . although, I am sure their travel industry would welcome you!

        This collage of Antique Fabrics is also by Herculiz - Etsy

Heather Palmer created this fanciful, small aqua nest of glass. It almost seems as if a bit of the Caribbean sea has been sculpted in the moonlight.  Her Etsy site holds many more of these treasures.  What a wonderful hostess gift to bring to a friend who has a house at the shore or the lake!  This would also make a most special wedding present for a summer bride.

This “Birdie Bunch” pillow, by Olive’s Shop, makes me think of all of the Twitter friends I have made.  For the non-techies, Twitter is a way people connect, or create a social network, through a process called “Tweeting” only 140 characters at a time.  The logo is a bird, very similar to some in this little flock of friends.  When folks who Twitter get together, it’s referred to as a “Tweet-Up”.  How fun it would be to gift this to one of my favorite “Tweeple”!  (Yes, we Twitter folk are a little unique – just like Etsy!)

                           Just An FYI - The Twitter Logo

I would encourage you to log on to see what you might find on Etsy.  Grab a glass of lemonade, or your favorite cool beverage, and begin your “surfing”.  You won’t even need a wave or a board!  Happy Summer!

Cheers! – Wanda

In Honor of Flag Day - Red, White and Blue

We tend to think of celebrating the “Red, White and Blue” during an upcoming American holiday, Independence Day.  I wonder how many of us remember that June 14th has been set aside for the honoring of Flag Day?  This holiday, while a little less hailed, commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States. 

In less than a month, we’ll be celebrating Independence Day.  It seemed as if now would be a good time to get a jump start on preparing for the festivities, as well as to toss in some color schemes focusing on this brilliant combination of colors, in design. 

Time to wave “Old Glory”.  I can feel a burst of pride coming on!

                               Courtesy of Country Living

While the front door isn’t a traditional red, this New England Colonial does offer a reflection of yesteryear’s architecture.  So symmetrical and orderly.

Courtesy of Southern Living          

If you love to decorate on a seasonal basis, keep the rest of the room neutral for quick changes.  In the above bedroom, the bedding is the easy solution for a theme design.

 From the pages of Pottery Barn

These pillows offer a fun way to pop in the traditional flag colors.  When Flag Day and the Fourth of July celebrations have passed, just pull out the flag pillow and you can breeze through the rest of summer.  The full effect is shown on the sectional, below.

From the pages of Pottery Barn

Even though this chair is upholstered in a nautical pattern, from Thibaut, there is something about lighthouses, sailboats and anchors, that carry a patriotic message and visions of fireworks and clambakes.

Now that I’ve segued into seaworthy references, I thought I should toss in a paler version of the red, white and blue palette – showing another Thibaut design of coral and seashells.  A bit daintier, wouldn’t you say?

Vietri, an Italian handcrafted pottery line, has this fabulous red glazed lamp, which could be right at home in any Americana themed design.  Just picture it on a primitive, painted blue chest.  (Hey, remember, it was Christopher Columbus who discovered America.)  Vietri is headquartered in Hillsborough, NC.

This Braemore fabric could be used in some simple slipcovers for the backs of chairs.  Because it’s a scenic design and has other colors mixed in, it could be a year round addition to your home decor.

Courtesy of Vietri

This table setting of crisp, white pottery ware and simple blue stemware, is a perfect way to start off your day before a trip to your town’s or city’s center to watch Old Glory be hoisted to the top of the flag pole.  What could be more yummy than strawberries and cream?

Creating a Tea For Thee

While you are looking at these refreshing pictures of different types of iced tea, I’ll bet you are having some sort of sensory response.  (And with the summer season upon us, what a better point of reference could there be?)

Maybe one of the first things, you are experiencing, is the thought of how wonderful one of these teas might taste.  The next sensory response could be the heady fragrance of the fruit-flavored teas or the mint sprig floating in the glass.  If you just came in from a steamy day, the thought of the cold liquid and ice, could take you down a degree or two in temperature.  Then, of course, you may just be appreciating the presentation in how the tea has been served.  The fine silver pitcher may make you sit up a little more properly and the Mason jars may have you picturing yourself lazily swinging in a hammock.

                                          A “proper” tea!

                                   Where’s the hammock?

                             This looks “berrylicious” to me!

           Peach iced tea . . . Makes me giddy for peach season!

What is so interesting to me, is how one can take a simple ingredient, like tea, and by adding some different flavorings and altering the presentation, different perceptions and experiences can ensue. Great interior design often begins with a basic “recipe”, and through the creative process, wonderfully different results are achieved.  It’s all about uncovering the client’s preferences and tastes – no pun intended. 

Now that I have all of you craving a glass of one of these delectable concoctions, please visit this link at: SouthernLiving.com to learn how you can make them.  If you would like to chat about creating your own special “recipe” to add to your existing home design, please feel free to call the “master chef” of fine home experiences . . . . me!  I would be happy to serve you!