Vintage finds and retro handmade--a sweet mix I know you'll love.

This is my blog. To visit my stores, click the Etsy or Artfire links above, or the product images on the right column of the screen.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Trend Watch: Old French Chic


A very popular influence in interior decorating these days is the French style.  From the decadence of Louis XIV's court to the rustic simplicity of the French countryside,  we are seeing the French influence everywhere--French writing on everything from clothing and furniture to kitchen utensils, pastels and white with silver or gold flourishes, the eminence of the fleur-de-lis, lavender sachets and barn wood with old-country appliqued embellishments, and elaborate crystal and mirrors paired with engraved aged silver and gold.

There are several branches of the French trend you might have spotted.  French country has rustic peasant-style influences, reminiscent of sunny southern France, with its fields of lavender, vineyards, and white-washed cottages.  Then there is French Classical/Traditional, which definitely reminds you of the gilded, crystal, and white palaces of the French court and Versailles. Finally, there is a sort of French shabby chic trend, which uses worn, tarnished, or peeling elements of the traditional style in such a way that it resembles relics of a glitzier past.

Whatever your taste, you will probably find something you like in the French style.  It is airy, delicate, and bright, which might make it a perfect fit for dim spaces or rooms that seem too open and spare.  Do you like French style decorating but don't know how to get started in your own home?  If so, I sincerely hope this French style vignette will get those interior design juices flowing!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

ArtFire Referral Program

Just thought I'd step in and let you know that if you are interested in starting a shop of your own, you can follow this link and get your third month fee-free!  Plus, if you click in right away, you will also be entered to win a fancy Canon Rebel DSLR camera, which is definitely a bonus for your business...better product photos make for better sales.  Take it from someone who has learned from experience.

If you are a Basic (free, limited-account) member on ArtFire and follow this link before upgrading to a Pro account, you will also get the third month fee-free and be entered to win the camera.  If you aren't sure you want to go Pro yet, you can still follow this link and set up a Basic account.  If you upgrade before 3 months are over, you will have the discount applied to your account.

Click away, folks!  Don't click the picture, click the link!

ArtFire - Buy Handmade - Sell Handmade


I'll be back here by the end of the week with another informative article for you.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Collections: An Irish Song

I asked people in the forums to share an Irish-themed item from their studio for a collection.  They got visibility on the Artfire forums and in the "collections" tab in my own studio.  Now I'm sharing it over here.  Getting in the St. Patrick's Day spirit yet?  Maybe all of this green will cheer you.


Friday, February 11, 2011

Creative Tips for Wearing Scarves

Scarves are great for keeping you warmer in the winter months, and accessorizing any month of the year.  Wear gauzier scarves in the summertime if you are concerned they might make your neck too warm.  You have seen my scarf product photos on my shop sites, but I thought I'd share a few more ways to tie this beautiful scarf accessory.  Three Youtube videos you might want to watch:

Friday, February 4, 2011

Targeting Your Personal Decorating Style

Much of interior decorating is about surrounding yourself with things you love and things that make you feel at home.  For a lot of people, that doesn't necessarily mean following every trend.  In fact, they are most comfortable making only minor changes to their decor from time to time.  On the other end of the spectrum, there are the adventurers among us who take a page from Auntie Maime and "Live, live, live!"  They love dramatic change, and do so often.

I was reading through a bunch of trend articles online the other day and thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you.  Chances are something will appeal to you, no matter where you are on the interior decorating spectrum.  Don't know what you like?  Decorating on a budget?  I found some articles for that, too.