Table linens. Bed linens. Embroidery. Monograms. All of the sumptuous household fineries dancing in the heads of southern ladies are shown in Linens by Jane Scott Hodges.
This gorgeous book is a beautiful homage to the most luxurious linens for both entertaining and for making a house a warm, inviting home.
Ms. Hodges is the founder of couture fine linens company Leontine Linens and, with her southern upbringing and discerning taste, she revives the appreciation of fine linens.
I am not one to look backward or get nostalgic but when I found this old rubber stamp, it made me smile.
It was created six years ago when, as a wide-eyed tyro, I decided to incorporate calligraphy into my graphic design business and when I created my designsgirl logo with nib and ink- my first illustration project.
As an artist, it can be good to look back at earlier work. You may find something special that has gotten lost over time and you can appreciate how you have developed in your craft that you may have not even realized while the momentum of life carries you along at warped speed.
Although Dionne Warwick words 'A fool will lose tomorrow reaching back for yesterday' are sagacious, sometimes looking back does serve a valuable purpose.
Sometimes judging a book by its cover is a seredipitious thing. I bought "interiors" by Martyn Thompson because of the exquisite cover, believing this to be a beautiful book of interior design.
But much to my joy and surprise, I learned that it is a tribute to the photographic genious of renowned Australian photographer Martyn Thompson, recognized by fans for his dark, mysterious images of famous artists' and entrepreneurs' private living and working spaces.
Books inspire and delight the spirit and, for me as an aspiring photographer, this book is my latest treasure of inspiration.
Celerie Kemble is a marvelously modern and chic interior designer. Her book Black & White and a Bit in Between is a beautiful chronicle of her work.
One of my greatest reading pleasures is immersing myself in the pages of lavish interior design books.
Thomas Pleasant Simply Serene is one of my top two favorites in this category, along with Barbara Barry's Around Beauty.
Acclaimed Washington, D.C.-based designer Thomas Pleasant is the first American designer invited to exhibit his custom furniture collection at the Pavillon des Antiquaires et des Beaux Arts in Paris and was honored by Architectural Digest with the distinction "Dean of American Design".
This glorious book reflects Mr. Pleasant's mastery of blending the warmth of traditional design with unexpected touches of striking modernity.
Legendary and compliant coonhound Maddie of Maddie on Things has an universal following of which I am a part and she even has her own book.
If you wish to support a great cause (animal rescue) and enjoy a daily giggle, you must follow her and her loving owner Theron Humphrey on their treks across the country.
designsgirl is paring down as the year closes and she has an impressive collection of wedding books that have served only for magazine photo shoots.
The (7) book collection consists of:
New Fashioned Wedding by Paige Appel and Kelly Harris (Rizzoli, 2013)
Style Me Pretty Weddings by Abby Larson (Potter, 2013)
The Knot Ultimate Wedding Lookbook by Carley Roney (Potter 2010)
Handmade Weddings by Shana Faust (Chronicle Books, 2010)
The Paper Bride by Esther K. Smith (Potter Craft, 2010)
Southern Weddings by Tara Guerard (Wyrick & Company, 2007)
Weddings by Tara Guerard (Gibbs Smith, 2010)
If you are interested in purchasing the collection at a swell price and, for a good cause, please contact me at [email protected].
Proceeds will go to the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies.
The long-awaited book of legendary lettering artist John Stevens just arrived in my mailbox and I am excited to spend the weekend soaking up the beauty of his work.
Available online at John Neal Booksellers.
Like a woman who has yet to find a hairstyle that truly fits her personality, I am a calligrapher who has yet to find my true calligraphy style. I know it is something that ranges between imperfectly sophisticated to beautifully outlandish. Somewhere between Francois Gervais's graffiti lettering and Bernard Maisner's masterful flourished strokes.
This is why, even during my busiest time of year, I devote myself to stretches of a few days of practice and play. It is important to my development. It helps to break through to new ways of keeping my art form fresh and innovative and hopefully leads me closer to finding what is finally the style that will avert an artistic identity crisis.
With a 3-week calligraphy commission coming soon, I decided to sit down with nothing in mind and starting writing to let loose of old patterns of strokes and enter a rhythm to see what would come from my pen.
I recommend this exercise to calligraphers or any artist. Without challenge, there is no change. Challenge yourself today to shake off old ways and see what lovely new ideas come to the surface when you allow yourself to play. You may just find yourself.
Today, event planners serve as the creative genius of wedding execution and Los Angeles based Bash, Please has become a star in its field.
Founders and authors Paige Appel and Kelly Harris showcase their range of talents in ten beautifully curated weddings, reflecting the personalities of each couple in the most elegant settings.
I found "Doodling in French: How to Draw with Joie de Vivre" at The Perfect Petal shop in Denver's Highlands neighborhood.
Written by artist and collector Anna Corba, this sweet book- filled with lovely collage bits and drawings- is one you should peruse while sipping tea from a demittasse cup and listening to French music.
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