Robin King Designs

Beautiful Things {in Brown}

2012-01-22T13:12:00.047-07:00

The vintage images I collect and work with inspire me, and so do the words of wise and creative people. A friend and mentor, Bob Brown, shared a thought with me that has always served to define my artistic style:

"The secret to good design is knowing when to stop"

When I am creating each product, I always remember that guideline. And as I combine elements to create a vignette in my studio to photograph, or in my home to enjoy, I let that principle guide me, as well.

Combining Beautiful Things to create an interesting arrangement is attainable... if you keep it simple. A mix of large and small items in various materials and shapes will draw the eye, and make for a pleasing tabletop or mantel display.

Using a color theme is a perfect way to coordinate elements. In the vignette above, the unifying color is the warm, comforting tones of Brown in every element. Many of the images I use for products have similar sepia tones, making it easy to choose several items to combine together in a display.

Imagine this arrangement of Beautiful Things in your room on a cold winter day...

Woman in Brown Dress Canvas Art

Round Wood Toile Tray

Brown Roses Tissue Box Cover

Brown Silhouette Pencil Holder

Many of my products have several uses.

This pencil holder would also make a perfect container for flowers - simply

insert a small glass vase into it to hold them.

I would add fresh ivory roses to this soft vignette!

A Few Beautiful Things for Christmas

2011-12-12T23:16:00.032-07:00

These golden pine cones are simply beautiful hanging from a chandelier.

Easy to make, all you need are pine cones, gold paint and pretty sheer ribbon. It's a fun and quick project.

Recently, I acquired a beautiful 19th century Romanian hutch. It's a special piece and I wanted to decorate it with something very special this Christmas. Considering the age and faded painted design, a very simple decoration would do. I placed my favorite lamb statue and surround him with evergreen branches and pine cones.

To add a little splash of color, I placed a deep red glass wreath around his neck.

This wonderful cherub wall pocket was cast from an antique mold and then painted to look like stone. It is so beautiful and one of my favorite new items. The sweet cherub is surrounded with evergreens, red berries and green leaves.

For the Christmas Season I added a few ornaments to my line. I introduced the wooden laser-cut ornaments at my recent shows and they were very well received. Next year, they will be available on my website. I hope you have many beautiful things surrounding your family and friends for the holidays.

Until next time.

-Robin

Winter House

2011-10-08T13:23:00.027-06:00

This morning, I woke up to snow here in Colorado. So I thought it would be the perfect time to show you one of my new tissue box designs - Winter House.
Whether you go all out for Christmas decorating or not, a seasonal tissue box can add a little holiday spirit anywhere in your home.

I placed my Winter House Tissue Box on a table under my favorite painting.

I then added a few pine cones to an antique cut-glass vase, a vintage Santa Figurine, and a stag candle snuffer to complete the vignette.

I thought the scene needed a little green, so I took one of my bottle-brush Christmas Trees and placed it in an egg cup I picked up in France. (It's the first time the egg cup has been out of the cupboard but I think it looks wonderful as a small decorative pot).

I will be sharing more Christmas items in the weeks to come.

Until next time,

-Robin

More Beautiful Things

2011-08-07T17:00:00.008-06:00

I wanted to share some new beautiful things from around my home. First is this beautiful little bird bath I recently found at Mulhull's in Omaha. Mulhall's is a store filled with beautiful things for both inside and outside your home. I wanted to take home a few pieces of their beautiful statuary, but this was a better size for traveling.

The birds like it too. The very afternoon I put it outside filled with water, a young robin enjoyed a bath. I wished I had a photo to share, but I did not have my camera close.

Yesterday,when I was looking out the window into the backyard, I noticed a baby bunny under my garden bench. He was so small. I watched him until he hopped out of sight. And once again, I did not have my camera close to me. So, today I was looking around the yard to see if I could find him. Well, I not only found one little bunny but two. I did have my camera this time and here's the picture.

So cute. The two babies could hardly keep their eyes open as I assume it was time for their afternoon nap.

Since I had my camera I also took this picture of a little rose. I just love the shade of pink.

Well, it may seem by this post that I have been spending all my time outside. However, I have spent time in my studio too. Here is my latest creation.

The large wooden tray features young lovers in the center surrounded by a border of hollyhocks. I love how this piece turned out. It has the look of a very old glass platter.

Thank you so much for stopping by.
Until next time,

-Robin

New Grape Hod Designs

2011-07-17T16:51:00.020-06:00

I wanted to share with you a few pictures from one of my latest projects. I had the opportunity to decorate two grape hods. Now, I love working on grape hods, however they can be hard to find. So I jumped at the chance when my friend Karin wanted me to decoupage two of them for her store. Since her store is located in a mountain resort, I decided to use a deer in both of my designs. The first grape hod features the face of a stag surrounded by French gold scrolls on a parchment paper background. I painted the hod pure black but later added a bit of green which gave an aged look to the finish.

I love the combination of blue and brown, so I designed this next hod around those two colors. I wanted to soften the two standing stags and added pink roses. There are also a few Fleur-de-lis and a small lion in a shield. This would be a great piece hung on the wall or next to a fireplace.

As I worked on these two large pieces I could not help but remember when I first started by decoupage business. The largest piece I would work on would be a 3 inch box. I can still remember when a store owner asked me to create tissue box covers. I think my face must have turned white. I thought to myself, those are so big. Well, I am happy to say, after years of practice, I have overcome my fears of working on large items.

The other day when my sister was in my studio looking at the hods, she came across a very small bucket filled with wooden decoupage thimbles that I had decorated years ago. She had never seen them and could not believe how small they were. "You should make these again" she said. I just smiled and said, " I don't think so."

I love looking at them, but I am happy to say I like working on things a little bigger now.

Until next time,
-Robin

Robin's Table

2011-07-02T23:18:00.009-06:00

Recently a client asked if I could make her four place mats with one of my Robin designs. I said, "of course" even though I had not had the chance to make place mats before. Well after locating four of them I got to work. The Robin place mats turned out great, but before I shipped them off, I just had to set my table to see how they would look.

Robin Place Mats all around the table.

A closer view.

As I set the table for the picture, I realized how special many of the items were to me that I chose to set out.

This ivory coffee cup with an elegant raised rose pattern is part of a very old and beautiful set from my father's side of the family. When the dishes were handed down to me there were 12 plates and 15 cups and saucers. I used the plates daily when I was first married. I hate to admit it, but I did not treat any of the pieces with much care, but somehow I still have 12 plates and 15 cups and saucers. Now I treat them so well that they are rarely set out.

The antique tablecloth is a recent find from a local antique shop and I just love it.

A few years back I spotted a beautiful antique glass petite cake stand at an antique store I was visiting with my mother. The stand was very expensive and I said to my mother that I wished I was rich enough to buy it. I left the store pouting because it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. It was not in my budget, so I did not think about the cake stand again. However, the very next Christmas I opened a gift from my parents and sure enough, inside was the cake stand. I couldn't believe it. Every time I look at the cake stand I am reminded of just how much it means to me that my mother remembered just how much I loved it and made sure I had it.
Well, I could go on and on about beautiful things...

Until next time,
-Robin

Shades of Early Summer

2011-06-11T19:24:00.011-06:00

I have been working on many new designs for Fall but I just had to step out of my studio today and take a few pictures.

My mother did not want this gorgeous planter anymore, so being a good daughter, I took it off her hands.

I love the color of June flowers.

What a great shade of pink!

My lamb statue almost looks like he is walking through a field of flowers.

A sea of white flowers.

This bee was enjoying the flowers too.

That was fun...

Back to the studio.

The making of a print ad

2011-05-26T22:34:00.012-06:00

I have been working on some great new flower design items for the summer.

The first creation was a wastepaper basket with a King Charles Spaniel inside a gold medallion surrounded by my new floral pattern.

I liked the wastepaper basket so much...

that I created a very large tray to match...

and then I liked that so much that I created five new tissue box cover designs...

With all these new designs in my studio, I knew exactly what my next print ad would feature. When it came time to set up the products for my photo shoot (on my back porch this morning) I could not decide which items to feature so I took pictures of everything. Once it started to rain, I moved it all inside and sat down at my computer to go through all the pictures.

My first choice was a shot with the King Charles Spaniel Wastepaper Basket, the matching King Charles Spaniel Tissue Box Cover and the Swan Tissue Box Cover.

Here is the first ad I designed around 12 noon.

Well, I just could not leave well enough alone, so here is the second ad I finished around 6:00 p.m.

Well, I still could not leave well enough alone, so here is the third ad I finished around 12 midnight.

I emailed the ad to the magazine, so I guess that is my final ad.

When in doubt... simplify.

At Home Alone

2011-05-14T22:44:00.009-06:00

Today I was at home alone. So I spent the overcast, rainy day moving from room to room with my camera, tripod and a variety of my decoupage home accents. The low lighting is the perfect light for me to take pictures of my high-gloss creations. I moved lamps, chairs, pictures and shelves all around to capture each shot. What a great day at home alone. I hope you enjoy looking at the new photos.

Staffordshire Dog Tray

Golden on Red Tissue Box Holder

Tapestry Lamb Tray

Robin on Branch Tissue Box Cover

French Floral on Black Tissue Box Cover

Terrier Pink Coat and Roses

Girl with Baskets of Flowers Lap Desk

Snow Days

2011-02-01T22:38:00.010-07:00

Well, I cannot change the snowy days, but I can show you pictures

that may make you think of Spring and warmer times ahead.

You may have already seen my Bee Tissue Box Cover, but

this design has a background color that can almost make you

feel warm breezes in the air. A client of mine had recently moved

to Colorado from Florida. Although she was filled with happiness

and excitement for her new life in Colorado, she missed the colors

she had in her Florida home. When she saw my

blue/green/sea foam color, she asked if I would make her a

Bee Tissue Box and a few other items for her new powder room.

Well, I just love the color combination. I hope it's warming you up a little bit.

This Sea Shell Tray is one of the first shell designs I have created.

Sea shells make me think of summer, sand and walks on the beach.

I hope you are feeling a little warmer now, I think I am.

Dreaming about Spring

2011-01-13T22:05:00.030-07:00

I think the cold temperatures across the country have many people dreaming of Spring. Why you may ask? Well, since the first of the year, I have had many orders for rabbits, robins and nests. Take a peek...

Pictured above is my Hare on Floral 11 by 14 canvas. Also, two small plates with one featuring a Standing Hare and the other a Rabbit nibbling on lettuce.

The Standing Hare Tissue Box Cover is a year-round favorite.

When I first decided to create lap writing desk, I thought they would be perfect to use with laptops computers, and they are. However, I have been told by many clients that they are just too pretty for that and must go on the wall as art. So when it was suggested that I add my Rabbit Family design, I did and love how it looks. Perfect for your laptop or your wall.

One client wanted me to create one of my writing lap desks with a really big robin. It does have the look of Spring. Robin on Ivory Writing Lap Desk.

This Bird Nest Plate is a perfect little accent to make you think of Spring.

Romantic Country Spring 2011

2010-12-03T17:15:00.005-07:00

The 2011 Spring issue of Romantic Country will be available next week. Here's a peek at my ad. I can't wait to see the magazine.

And just in case you were wondering, yes, there is still time to order gifts for the upcoming Holidays at robinkingdesigns.com.

robinkingdesigns.com

2010-12-01T17:34:00.004-07:00

Hello,

My website robinkingdesigns.com has been experiencing problems the last few days. My hosting company is working on the problem as fast as they can. If you have any questions of would like to place an order, please send me an email at robinkingdesigns@yahoo.com

Thank you so much for your patience and please do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions.

-Robin

A Paris Street Market October 2nd, 2010

2010-10-01T11:17:00.004-06:00

The last Paris Street Market of 2010 in Littleton, Colorado is October 2nd. I will be there with all my latest creations, including the oval cow tray pictured above. If your attending the market, please do stop by booth #20 and say hello. If you won't be able to make it, you can always visit my website Robin King Designs. Hope to see you there.

It's Starting To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2010-09-14T21:31:00.012-06:00

... at least in my studio.

The Holiday orders are arriving, so I am making many, many, many lists and checking them twice, at least.

So you can see what I am talking about, here are some pictures from my studio.

This collection is on its way to Missouri.

These petite plaques are in production and will go to California and

Texas after a little more work and a lot more varnish.

This basket is complete and heading to Kentucky.

The Santa canvases are staying here in Colorado, but when the bee

boxes next to them are complete, they will be flying off the shelf

to Missouri.

So yes, even though the temperature is still in the high eighties and the leaves are still on the trees, my studio feels just like Christmas.

And it's the most wonderful time of the year.

Bird, Paper, Scissors

2010-09-06T14:36:00.014-06:00

I wanted to share some pictures of my booth from the September 2010 Paris Street Market in Littleton, Colorado.

Bird Tissue Box Covers

At each Market, I try to have a theme and birds took center stage this time.

Paperweights

I also brought a few paperweights. I usually do not work with glass to0 much but paperweights are small enough that even I can make them. I love the look of decoupage under glass but I miss my crackle effect too much. So as soon as I can figure out how to crackle and decoupage under glass, you may see a few more items.

Bee Note Cards

And last but not least, here are my Bee Note Cards. Just perfect for a little note.

The last Paris Market for the 2010 Season in October 2nd. Hope to see you there.

Just a Note

2010-08-14T13:12:00.012-06:00

At the August 2010 Paris Street Market in Littleton, I introduced my latest creations - Note Cards. Ten of my favorite designs from Tissue Box Covers, Boxes, Canvases and Trays are now available on 4 by 6 professionally printed cards. I am happy to say the cards were very well received. More designs to come in the next few months. Here's a look at a few...

Girl with Dog note card with canvas design in background.

Leaping Rabbit in a wreath of flowers with canvas design in background.

The Note Cards will be available on my website Robin King Designs by September 1st, 2010. Happy writing!

Whatever things are...

2010-08-06T20:03:00.006-06:00

Some time ago I came across the verse: Whatever is Noble, Bright, Pure, Lovely... think of these things. Although it is a popular verse, for some reason it really hit me one day so I wrote it on an old envelope and put it in my purse. That old envelope was moved to my desk and has been in front of my computer as I have looked and looked for the perfect artwork to create a plaque.

Well, I did find the artwork - a beautiful old French textile painting with flowers and a lace-like border. It was perfect, however since it was originally used for textiles, the entire piece was graphed by hand in pencil. I like to keep all my old papers "as is" so I did not try to erase the pencil but instead spent many hours in photoshop trying to remove each line. Once most of the lines had been removed, I decided to keep a few of the guidelines as they seem very appropriate with the Bible verse from Philippians.
My "Whatever things are True, Honest, Just, Pure, Lovely... Think on these things" is finally finished. I hope you enjoy.

Beautiful Things at the Broadmoor

2010-07-18T14:06:00.006-06:00

Recently, I was lucky enough to spend a few nights at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, CO. The Broadmoor is a luxury hotel that first opened in 1918. The hotel and gardens are exquisite. Victorian-imagery and accents are throughout the hotel, so now you know why I love this hotel so much. I could post picture after picture, but choose just a few so you can see the beautiful hotel and grounds. There is also a spa, golf course, tennis courts, amazing swimming pools, shopping and restaurants to enjoy. If you ever get the chance to stay there, take it. It's simply beautiful.

Two cherubs and winged buffaloes greet you at the front door.

This sitting area is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon looking at the lake and mountains.

Flowers around the Broadmoor Lake and grounds.

Ever-Faithful Friend

2010-06-29T08:28:00.003-06:00

A few months ago, I was shooting pictures in my living room, taking advantage of the natural light streaming in. As I looked around, I noticed my fifteen year-old pug, Jesse was patiently watching me. With camera in hand, I took this shot.

When I later looked at this picture, I could not help but remember all the times Jesse has followed me around the house, watched me work, sat next to me when I was sick and rushed to the door when I returned home.

I have been so fortunate to have him in my life as long as I have.

Jesse was the inspiration behind this tissue box cover design.

He is my Ever-Faithful Friend.

Perfect Lighting

2010-06-13T17:52:00.013-06:00

This has been a rainy weekend in Colorado. As I looked out the windows, I could not help but notice how beautiful everything looked. We have an abundance of bright sunny days, but the bright lighting can wash out much of the color. So I took the opportunity to take a few pictures around my yard in the rain with what I consider perfect lighting.
I hope you enjoy.

Bee Beautiful

2010-06-05T23:00:00.000-06:00

Every year I participate in about a dozen or so shows and come face-to-face with my clients and friends. I love hearing how much someone has enjoyed a piece they have purchased from me, or how it fits perfectly in their home, or what they think about each time they see it, or the thank you note they received after they gave one of my creations as a gift.

Selling online is a little different. There is always communication before the sale, but not always once the package is delivered.

Well, you can imagine how much it meant to me when one of my online clients not only sent me a wonderful note, but included pictures of how she was using the bee creations in her home.

I asked if I could share the pictures and she said, "yes".

My small bee box is a perfect fit for her exquisite bee ring.

My bee design tissue box and small plate compliment the beautiful large bee box, picture frames and accents pieces in this arrangement.

Her collection of bee items and how she puts them all together can best be described as bee beautiful.

A Paris Street Market 2010

2010-05-23T22:46:00.013-06:00

It's Springtime and that means it's time for
the 2010 Paris Street Market season in Littleton, Colorado!

After every Market, I share pictures of my newest creations. Please make sure to check back or better yet, stop by and say hello. I am in space #20. The Market is the first Saturday of every month May through October - Rain or Shine! I hope to see you there.

Decoupage Strawberry Cake Plate

Decoupage Tissue Box Covers

Decoupage Plaques

Here's the link for more information on the Market. http://www.aparisstreetmarket.com/

Bees, Decoupage and Napoleon

2010-04-16T20:30:00.003-06:00

One of my recent commissions was to create a few new French-inspired creations for an adorable store here in Colorado. The owner said that she wanted some items with Eiffel Towers and Napoleonic bees. Well here is one of my decoupage tissue box designs with a large bee that I think will work well.

But the word "Napoleonic" would not get out of my head. So I went straight to the source and created a new decoupage design with the proud Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte himself. I added a muted background and of course a number of varied sized fleur-de-lis. The wastepaper basket was my first creation.

What is more French than a Napoleon Wastepaper Basket? It's a perfect way to add a little French-style to a den, office, bathroom or bedroom.

But just like him, I could not stop with only one conquest. I then created a matching tissue box cover and continued on to boxes and then small plates.

I just love my new Napoleon Collection. And yes, it's available through my website Robin King Designs. I hope you like it, too.

Useful and Beautiful

2010-03-04T07:15:00.014-07:00

"Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful" - William Morris.

This statement holds true regarding my favorite cast iron birds. I first fell in love with these little birds a few years back when I saw them in photos that graced the pages of Victoria and Romantic Homes Magazines. The duet has been moved around my home, but have finally found a place they can call home inside a large cast iron bird bath filled with French lavender.

The absolutely gorgeous bird bath was a gift from my mother and even though I loved it, I have had a hard time deciding the best place for it. Then it hit me, fill it with lavender, add my little birds and place in front of a sunny window.

By this time you might be asking yourself what is useful about this. Well, all I need to do is move the birds around in the bird bath and the scent of lavender fills the room. This is also a very fun task for little hands that are around the house that want to help out. So yes, it's both useful and beautiful, I believe William Morris would agree.

Too Many Flowers?

2010-02-19T07:21:00.007-07:00

I was going through a file this week and came across these beautiful pictures. A couple of years ago I was the photo stylist on a shoot for a national print ad. The photo was to show someone tending to their flowers. It was early Spring in Colorado so an outside shoot would not have worked. I knew someone who had a beautiful garden room and that's where the photo took place. She had many plants already, so I added some fresh flowering plants. I also added garden props to enhance the shot. A few of the props were pieces I had created. I cannot find my copy of the final ad, but here are some of the photos taken that day.

Red Decoupage Watering Can

Beautiful Pink Roses

Black Decoupage Flower Tin

More Flowers

Tabletop

The ad was beautiful and it ran in a number of national publications. After the creative director saw the ad in print, he thought I may have overdone the setting a little bit. I replied that you can never have too many flowers or too many decoupage pieces. I do not think he agreed, but he smiled and then started discussing the next photo shoot.

Sunshine Blog Award

2010-02-16T20:23:00.030-07:00

Daisy of La Petite Plume (who creates the most beautiful French-inspired stationery) honored me with the Sunshine Blog Award. Thank you so much Daisy.

With this award I have to:
Post the award on my blog.
Link the person I received the award from.
Pass the award on to 12 of my favorite blogs and share the link to their blogs.
Let the bloggers know I have awarded them the award.

So here's my list:

The Well Appointed House

Notes from a Cottage Industry

Capers of the Vintage Vixens

Vintage Bliss

Piper's Pen

Holy Experience

King of Tennis

Daisy, thank you again.

In The Name Of Love

2010-02-01T22:46:00.018-07:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so in the name of love, I created this sweet cherub tissue box. And for a little French flare, I added the words "Je T'aime" on the large red heart.

The tissue box was created with Valentine's Day in mind, but saying "I love you" is perfect for every day. And since Valentine's Day is right around the corner, I have this romantic tissue box on Etsy just in case you would like to add a little romance to your home in the name of love.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RobinKingDesigns

Forcing the Issue Update

2010-01-30T13:30:00.007-07:00

A few weeks ago, I decided to force the issue with some Paper Whites and Hyacinth bulbs and here are my results. The Hyacinth bulbs are blooming but are not growing very tall, most likely this is due to the fact that my kitchen window faces NW and does not get much light this time of year. Even though they are vertically challenged, they still smell great. As soon as I walk into the house, it smells just like Spring.

The Paper Whites are not making much progress, maybe by Easter.

Although my bulbs would not win any ribbons at a flower show, it is so nice to look at them all growing in my little window garden. I will definitely force the issue next January, too.

Someone to Lean On

2010-01-28T22:11:00.002-07:00

Tonight, I came up stairs from my studio to this sweet scene and just had to share. My pug Jesse, who will turn 15 next month, had fallen asleep on one of the many stuffed animals on the floor. (And there are always many on the floor to choose from - however that's a topic for a different post.) Today has been a very cold day but Jesse found a way to make the best of it by choosing to lean on someone.

We all need to lean on someone now and then. Actually, it is something I am trying to do more. One way I can accomplish this is to pray more often. Another way is to say "yes" when someone offers to help. So when my sister offered to help organize my studio's storage space for raw materials and shipping supplies, I said YES. Tomorrow is the big day for the studio clean-up and I can hardly wait. It is nice to have someone to lean on.

A Working January

2010-01-20T21:50:00.009-07:00

January 2010 is off to a new and fresh start. As I reminisce to previous years, January brings memories of the end of holiday hustle and bustle, chilly days, and time for me to plop down and take a breather. I use this down time to get inspired as I anticipate Spring and look forward to the upcoming shows to display my new creations.

However this January is different than previous years; my time to plop down and take a breather has all but disappeared! I have been overwhelmed (in a good way!) with custom pieces for clients, new and faithful collectors alike. My artwork will be available in two new stores this year, one in Utah and California. Though this is normally down time for me I am excited that the new year is off to such an exhilarating start!

Forcing the Issue

2010-01-10T22:23:00.005-07:00

Yes, I am forcing the issue. The issue of Spring that is. Last week's bitter cold temperatures had me longing for warmer days of Spring. To help get me through the next few months, I decided to force a few Paper Whites and Hyacinth bulbs in my kitchen window. They are planted in pretty vintage glass bowls and vases. Now the snow covered ground is nothing but a backdrop to my little window garden. Hopefully, buy forcing the issue, Spring will come a little bit sooner.

The Write Stuff

2009-12-27T11:09:00.010-07:00

Early this year I added a new product to my line - writing lap desks. I thought they would be perfect for laptop computers, looking at magazines or writing a letter.

Leaping Stag

Pheasant

Woman with Dog

French Floral

The desks have been very well received, and many people have told me that they have been hung on their walls, put on top of dressers or placed on a fireplace mantel. So I was very excited to get this email yesterday and to know that the lap desks are both pretty and functional.

"Robin, I wanted to share with you, my husband and I love the laptop trays I bought from you. We are using them right now! He thinks they are just beautiful. Of course, I love all your pieces. Even my son's girlfriend remembered a box of yours I purchased for a friend last year. Thank you Robin for sharing your talent with all of us!!! Happy New Year."

It is so rewarding and inspiring to hear how people are using the items I create. It's definitely the right stuff.

Grape Hod

2009-12-15T19:01:00.017-07:00

I wanted to share with you a project I just completed for a very special client Mindy. She contacted me and wanted to know if I would add one of my deer designs to a grape hod that she had purchased. The grape hod is a Christmas gift for her mother in Wisconsin. I told her I had admired the grape hods that I have seen in Gorsuch stores and catalogs. So of course, I said yes.

The finished project- Grape Hod with Stag Design

The before pictures of the front and back.

When I first saw the piece, I was a little taken back because it's very large (26" by 23") and had a distressed finish that was not conducive to a flat decoupage surface. Nonetheless, I could hardly wait to get started.

After trying out many different designs, I finally decided an oval collage image of a stag surrounded by leaves. My first thought was to remove the distressed finish, but after discussing it with Mindy, we decided to keep the finish. I am so glad we did. Thanks so much Mindy, this was a great project. I sure hope your mother likes it!

Pot Rack Panache

2009-12-09T08:23:00.007-07:00

For the past month I have had a show or event every weekend. Now I will begin working on all the special Christmas orders that will be sent around the country. In the midst of making a list and checking it twice, I did find time for a quick kitchen project.

My mother recently purchased a beautiful white distressed round pot rack from Sandi Vandel of Vandel Antiques in Littleton, CO. Once she got it home, she decided it did not work in her kitchen. So being a thoughtful daughter, I volunteered to take it off her hands. Although I do not have an extensive collection of copper pots to hang from the rack, I was confident I would come up with something. It did not take long and I decided to hang tea cups from my red transferware collection. I then added a vintage-looking ceramic hen in the middle of the rack.

I know someday it will be filled with a collection of copper pots, but for now I love how it looks. Well, that's enough procrastinating for me, it's time to get back to the studio.

Rue de Noel 2009 December 4th & 5th

2009-12-04T23:25:00.009-07:00

The Rue de Noel Paris Street Holiday Market is underway at Aspen Grove in Littleton, CO located at 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive. The indoor Paris Market runs through Saturday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm. There are more than 50 booths filled with original artwork, vintage finds and Christmas decorations. If you get a chance, please do stop by.

A few of my decoupage canvases

Amy Smith has an absolutely beautiful booth
filled with the most amazing treasures. She also
has her artwork and vintage finds at The Barn
in Castle Rock, CO.

One of my vintage finds, an Italian holy
water font, simply beautiful

A wooden angel I found in Amy's booth. Perfect

for Christmas.

This is my last show of 2009, but I will be busy creating many beautiful custom orders the next few weeks. A few of the projects will be featured here, so please do check back. Hope to see you at the Rue de Noel.

L'Esprit de Noel 2009

2009-11-22T00:36:00.003-07:00

Sunday is the last day of the 2009 L'Esprit de Noel Holiday Home Tour and Boutique at Lowry. Hours are 10-4:30 and the boutique is located at 350 Quebec Street. A portion of sales will go to the Central City Opera Guild. Hope to see you there.

Some of my Tissue Box Cover Designs

Christmas in Colorado

2009-11-10T22:16:00.012-07:00

The annual Christmas in Colorado Holiday Show is this upcoming Friday and Saturday at the historic Grant Humphreys Mansion at 770 Pennsylvania Street in downtown Denver. More than 40 artisans will be selling their unique wares throughout the rooms of this Denver landmark. Once inside, don't forget to look for the beautiful stained glass windows, the grand staircase, a bowling alley and a small stage in the basement. The show hours are November 13th 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and November 14th 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Here is a sneak peak at a few of my latest items made specially for the show. Hope to see you there.

Cardinals on Tissue Box Cover

Father Christmas Canvas

Chicken Family Tissue Box Cover

Bird on Branch Round Box

*Photo by Dian McGown. Additional information on the Grant Humphreys Mansion from the Colorado Historical Society: http://www.coloradohistory.org/ghm/rentals_ghm_1.htm

A Gem Named Ruby

2009-11-05T18:51:00.019-07:00

Just a few weeks ago, my 98-year old grandmother fell and broke her hip. She is now in rehab and having a very hard time. She will not be able to go back to her room in the assisted living home, but instead will to be transferred to a nursing home next week. Although she is 98, her mind is as sharp as a tack, her body is just getting weaker.

She has been called Ruby her whole life, but her given name is Robina. Born in Scotland, her family moved to Canada and then to the United States. She still has the small flag she received when passing her United States Citizen test.

Ruby (right) and her sister Martha

My sisters and I were to call her "Nana" (we were never to call her grandmother, after all, that was a name for old people she would say).

Having been very healthy, she lived on her own until she was 94. She would tend to her roses, paint beautiful oil paintings, make her own clothes, knit dramatic scarves and eat healthy homemade meals. As I sat beside her as the representatives from the nursing home interviewed her, I could not help but think of all I had learned from her. She taught me about God and the importance of having a personal relationship with Him. She also taught me about art, how to cook, knit and sew. Throughout her life, she has loved stylish clothes, singing, playing the piano, redecorating her house, politics, music and beautiful things. I would like to share with you a few pictures she has painted.

Ruby would paint in her kitchen because that is where she said the light was light best. When we moved her out of her condo, I found paint brushes, tubes of paint and little paint mixing bowls throughout the kitchen. There were daubs of different color paint here and there on the cupbards, the floor and counters. Now, when my husband lets me know that I have manged to get paint on almost all of our glasses and cups, I tell him it's Nana's fault. Afer all, she is the one who showed me how to live as an artist.

Hopeless Romantic

2009-10-29T12:56:00.009-06:00

I must be a hopeless romantic. Lately, I have been collecting and creating artwork of couples. I love the couple in the frame, very romantic and to be honest, the original artwork was so damaged that at times I was hopeless that I would be able to make the necessary repairs. But I wanted the picture to work, so I worked and worked on it and am so happy with the results.

The second picture shows a number of combined old pieces of artwork that I combined to create the romantic couple collage on a wooden cigar box. I think it's very romantic.

I am wondering if this obsession with romantic couples is because I need to have a Pride and Prejudice fix (the A&E version) or maybe it is because our 20th wedding anniversary is next year, or maybe I am truly a hopeless romantic. I hope so.

A Little Shopping Spree

2009-10-12T23:39:00.006-06:00

Many of my posts about the Paris Street Market in Littleton, CO have been about my booth display, people I have met and my new designs. Well, for this post about the Market, I decided to show you what treasures I found for myself when I went on a little shopping spree. Below are pictures of my great finds. ( I really must get out of my booth more often)

Great matching pillows, a beautiful vintage handmade ivory blanket with crocheted roses, a very old box with a painting of a woman and a dog and my favorite item of the day was the necklace.

The box has cracked down the front, but I think it still is a great find, such a sweet picture. The necklace was created by one of my favorite local artist who redesigns vintage jewelery.

I bought a pair of these pillows complete with down-inserts. I love the ball fringe made from the matching pillow fabric.

This is the back of the pillow, I hope you can see the detail.

Just a Hare

2009-09-28T16:28:00.001-06:00

This blog post is just about hares and rabbits. I have many clients who collect rabbit art and one of them is attending my show at The Paris Street Market Saturday, October 3rd. She wanted a sneak peak of the rabbit canvas art I will have on hand. The above picture shows Rabbits on canvas sizes from 5 by 7 inches up to 11 by 14 inches. All images are from my antique ephemera collection. I also have a few more pictures below.

Rabbit with carrots on 8 by 10 inch canvas

Grouping of 5 by 7 Rabbit canvases

The October 3rd Paris Street Market is the last one until next May. Please stop by and say hello.

Big Ideas

2009-09-23T21:23:00.003-06:00

Usually this time of year until year-end, my business completely takes over my life and the lives of my family. Thankfully, due to my clients and stores, this is true again this year. Thank you all! So, I decided to clear out space in my studio for a clutter-free desk loaded with paper, rulers, colored pencils and no computer. My big idea was that I could sit and work on organizing my notes, keep up with paperwork, make plans and come up with new ideas. Ideas are always important, but sometimes are not given the time they deserve. So as a reminder, I decoupaged large wooden letters spelling out "IDEAS", added small vintage plastic birds, hung one of my favorite new canvas designs underneath and completed the space with a pair of beautiful antique french sconces my sister just gave to me. It's a great little space to sit and think about big ideas.

Cottage Fever

2009-08-31T21:30:00.010-06:00

Recently, my sister and I spent most of a Friday shopping at The Barn - a store in Castle Rock, CO filled with fabulous antiques, western art, French-styled furniture, vintage finds and many Cottage collections. And yes, it is an old barn. Well, our outing obviously left an impression on me because everything I created over the next few days had a light background and roses. It was time well spent. Below are a few of my new cottage creations. You might say I came down with cottage fever over the weekend.

My Cottage Accessories include plaques, signs, a door hanger, tissue holders and a picture of a ballerina with a wreath of roses around her waist.

Cottage Sign.

A plaque for the Powder Room door.

Beautiful French Roses on a Tissue Box Cover.

You never know just what might inspire you.

My Secret Garden

2009-08-22T18:58:00.012-06:00

"There's a secret garden she hides ... she'll let you in her heart, if you've got a hammer and a vise, but into her secret garden, don't think twice"

Those are lyrics from Bruce Springsteen's "Secret Garden". I am sure our meanings are different but my secret garden is just as hard to get into. On the southwest side of our home, there is a small area that is completely enclosed. It cannot be seen even if you are in our backyard. However, you might wonder what is behind the large gate.

Sometimes I like to refer to my secret garden as my European-styled courtyard and it's just about the perfect size garden to take care of. And no, the rest of my yard is not as well kept. I believe the previous owners used the area for a dog run, but they did build a small raised garden bed. Every summer we have added something new to the "Secret Garden" and it is now my family's favorite outside place. Take a look...

Secret garden lamb statue.

Another view.

This summer we built a small patio area just large enough to hold my antique black wrought-iron and glass table with four matching chairs. The patio area sits under an aspen tree and it's a great place to eat dinner. It still needs a little work, so maybe by next summer it will be ready for pictures. I hope you enjoyed your visit.

"A" is for Absoutely Perfect

2009-08-16T21:58:00.010-06:00

Late last Friday evening, I was trying to think of what I could bring for an absolutely perfect hostess gift (that I needed the next day). I did not want to bring a bottle of wine or food, I wanted my gift to be more personal. Never setting foot in their home before did not help my quest. In my studio I had a few hundred tissue box holders, trays and boxes to choose from, but did not have a clue what would work in their home. Then it hit me. I could make something with their family name initial "A". At midnight, I decided to make a paperweight. While the initial part was easy, I had to design the background and choose a style and color. I remembered that the hostess had once worn a beautiful brown and white jacket. So, I decided brown would be a safe bet. I then took one of my antique French floral images and changed the colors to shades of brown and added a chocolate colored "A". She absolutely loved it and it was absolutely the perfect gift.

"Keep it Simple"

2009-08-05T22:49:00.007-06:00

Every time we have friends over for dinner, my husband says "let's keep it simple". This is because I tend to go overboard cleaning the house, planning the food, worrying about everything being ready at the correct time. After 19 years of marriage, he knows my routine. So, when we had friends over recently, I did spend the day cleaning and worrying. However, I did find some time to rearrange our entryway. And I think I kept it simple and beautiful.

I did not buy anything new, just moved some of items from around the house. I love to dress up simple old wooden tables. This one is my favorite because it is such a great shade of red.

The tole tray is an old painting on top of an oil lid of all things, the matching silver candlesticks were purchased by a friend on a trip to France, the bust of the woman was a great Hobby Lobby find, the canvas is one of my new designs and the crown hook was a recent gift. And of course, we have a few Pug accessories here and there.

I did find some time that day to make strawberry soup for dessert. It's a simple, fun summertime recipe from the July/August issue of Victoria Magazine. The recipe called for bowls, but I liked the vintage sundae cups instead.

Old-Fashioned Strawberry Soup

3 cups hulled, sliced fresh strawberries

1/4 cup of sugar

2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint

1/2 cup peach nectar

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

1. In the work bowl of a food processor, combine the strawberries, sugar, and mint. Pulse to roughly chop. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the peach nectar and vinegar. Refrigerate soup until chilled, about 1 hour.

2. Spoon chilled strawberry soup into bowls, and top each with with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

Paris Street Market August 2009

2009-08-02T12:52:00.014-06:00

Summer in Colorado is not predictable; after almost a week of rain, vendors and shoppers alike at the Paris Street Market, were pleasantly surprised by a beautiful, sunny day! Thank you to all who visited me - I enjoy talking with each one of you and I hope my little creation finds itself in the perfect spot to brighten your home.

A table full of my decoupage creations.

A Paris-themed display was a hit at the Market.

Early into the morning a woman came into my booth, she seemed familiar to me, though I could not recall if I knew her. As she shopped I could not help but notice the charming pink flats she wore and crochet purse she carried. As I was admiring them, it dawned on me-I had recently viewed her picture on a blog I found; I asked her if she “blogs” and it opened the door to a great little chat. The “blogger” is Jeanne Oliver and she has a fun and charming blog http://bushelandapeck.typepad.com/. She is also featured in Tara Frey's new book, "Blogging for Bliss". We talked for a bit and she shared some valuable information with me on the importance of blogging and the benefits in having an Etsy shop (number one priority for me this week-create an Etsy shop). I was so happy to meet Jeanne face-to-face; it was definitely a highlight of my Saturday!

Paris Street Market August 1st

2009-07-30T23:35:00.005-06:00

The next Paris Street Market is just hours away on August 1st from 8:00 to 3:00 rain or shine! (and yes, I am still up at midnight finishing up some last minute items) Come and see my latest Parisian decoupage creations. I am in booth #20 and don't forget to mention that you are a blog reader for a 10% discount. Hope to see you there!

http://www.aparisstreetmarket.com/

Scenes from A Paris Street Market

2009-07-04T20:20:00.005-06:00

Another great day at the Paris Street Market in Littleton, CO. Thank you to all who stopped by to say hello and also thank you for all the compliments on my newest creations. I have posted a few of my favorite pictures below. I love needlpoint and I try to collect a few pieces to sell at my shows. The King Charles Spaniel Pillow above is an antique French petitpoint pillow from an East Coast Estate sale. It is absoulety exquisite.

A vintage suitcase filled with my decoupage boxes. I need to send a big thank you Debi Ward Kennedy for the display idea.

Speaking of Debi, she was the inspiration behind these black and white French toile pieces I created. Debi is a designer, consultant, writer and friend. If you get a chance, take a look at her design blog http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/

My work is now being featured in the Paris Street Market permament display window at Aspen Grove in Littleton, CO. Everything pictured above may be purchased through Vandel Antiques at 303-794-4143.

Last but not least, more little Journals and Doorhangers.

The next Paris Market is August 1st. Hope to see you there!

A Paris Street Market Thank You

2009-06-07T09:58:00.009-06:00

Thank you to all who stopped by to say hello. It was great to see you and I wish I could have visited with you more. The challenge with outdoor shows obviously is the weather. I am still learning the best way to display items. The key word is learning. The sky was clear, the temperature was perfect, however it was a little windy. I think some of my small boxes may be found today in somewhere in Littleton. Oh well, I hope whoever finds them will enjoy. Below are pictures before the wind gusts. I need to send a big thank to my sister Piper for all her help holding down the fort - or tent in this case.

French-themed items

Close-up of some of my items that would make great gifts for Father's Day

Deer and Dog items

Bird Picture on 11 by 14 canvas

A sweet couple bought this bird picture for their cabin. They are coming back to the July 4th show for more pictures. The wife needed to see just how much wall space she had left. Her husband just smiled and handed me his credit card - so sweet.

A Paris Street Market June 6, 2009

2009-06-05T11:37:00.013-06:00

The second Paris Street Market of the season in June 6th from 8-3. The weather forecast looks great and should be a perfect day to walk around Aspen Grove and look at the more than 120 antique dealer and artist booths. For directions visit: http://www.aparisstreetmarket.com/

New tissue box cover design based on an 1800s French Textile painting with a trinket box to match. Writing desk image from an antique biology book.

I am in space number 20, so please drop by and say hello. As promised here are a few of the things I have been working on. All blog readers will receive a 10% discount. Hope to see you tomorrow.

La Vache at A Paris Street Market

2009-06-02T16:36:00.007-06:00

I believe "La Vache" is the French word for cow. Pictured are a few of the"La Vache" items I will have at the upcoming Paris Street Market this Saturday from 9-3 space #20 rain or shine. For directions, please go to http://www.aparisstreetmarket.com/.

The 9" x 12" canvas features a beautiful image of a cow next to a fence. The 5" x 7" canvas features a Milk Maiden with her cows. Both images are from my collection of Victorian-era trade cards. The Staffordshire reproduction Milk Maiden may not make it to the market, but might find a home in my kitchen. More sneak peaks to come this week...

Stop and Think

2009-05-05T21:32:00.011-06:00

Have you noticed lately that you have no time to think. I mean really think about things. Do you run from one thing to the next and then to the next without really stopping and thinking? I do.

I love this picture by English artist Philip Wilson Steer (1860-1942). To me the young woman looks like she is really thinking. Maybe she is thinking about how she wants her life to look and how to get there. Perhaps she is praying and has taken the time to stop and think about exactly what she should be praying about. Or maybe she is simply thinking what a beautiful day it is.

The purpose of this post is to remind myself and others that we really do need to take the time to stop and think. It will be time well spent.

Paris Market

2009-05-03T11:27:00.005-06:00

The 1st Paris Street Market of 2009 was a huge success. Thank you to all who came out and braved the cold temperatures. Below are pictures of some of my latest decoupage creations. They were gone by the end of day.

Pretty Little Journals

Some gifts for Mother's Day, a large mixed media canvas with a French print, an oval rose box, a lavender filled heart-shaped sachet, a pretty little journal I call "Love Story" and a small box with a Robin's eggs in a nest.

Tulip Cachepot

This yellow cachepot with pink tulips is one of my favorite redesigned items. It was the second sale of the day.

Thank you again and the next Market is June 6th.

Springtime at A Paris Street Market

2009-04-26T22:10:00.007-06:00

I just can't wait. The first Paris Street Market of 2009 is next Saturday. Throughout the week, I will by showcasing my newest creations. Below is the first.

My New Robin Design

Pictured above is a 5 by 6 inch journal that is decoupaged on both front and back, includes 25 blank sheets of paper and is finished with a pretty gold-sheer ribbon bow. I made a few journals for my Spring Show last month and they all sold. (More journals to come)

I liked my new Robin collage design so much that I created it in a larger size and decoupaged it to a 8 by 10 inch canvas. I aged and crackled the canvas and finished the sides so it is ready to hang. The wooden eggs are also crackled and aged and compliment the new Robin pieces nicely. More to come...

A Paris Street Market

2009-04-25T08:50:00.003-06:00

The first Paris Street Market of 2009 is just a week away! I will have many new items and great gifts for Mother's Day. Over the next week, check back for pictures of some of my latest pieces. The Market is next Saturday, May 2nd from 9:00 - 3:00 rain or shine in the Aspen Grove parking lot at 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, CO. With more than 200 artists and antique dealers, I am sure you will find some great treasures. Au revoir for now.

Spring Brings the Snow

2009-04-03T22:17:00.019-06:00

Snow-covered cherub in our Secret Garden

Hen and Chick buried in the snow

Our Secret Garden Lamb

I am sure you have gathered from my last few posts that it has snowed a lot in the last week. The other morning was so beautiful that I just had to take a few pictures before the snow melted away in the Colorado sun. Spring snows here do not last for long as the snow was gone by noon.

Winter Girl Collage
With all this snow talk, it reminded me of one of my favorite collage creations - Winter Girl. I just love the quote: And in the depth of Winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible Summer. It's very fitting for a week such as this.

Thank You

2009-03-30T22:34:00.006-06:00

I would like to thank all the people who attended the Spring Show last weekend and made it such a success. Not even a foot of snow could keep you away. Thank you for your support and I hope you all enjoy your new decoupage accents in your homes.

The Show Must Go On!

2009-03-26T20:06:00.012-06:00

Lap Writing Desk

Winter Hare Wastepaper Basket & Tissue Box Cover

Yes, even though more that a foot of snow fell in Denver today, Moni's Spring Show will go on as scheduled this Friday and Saturday. What's funny is that my newest rabbit items for this year's show feature a winter hare. How perfect!

Spring Show

2009-03-15T07:41:00.014-06:00

March 27th-28th
425 Franklin Street
Denver, CO
Please attend Moni's annual Spring Show featuring the work of five great local artists. A great time in the comfort of Moni's home. I will feature my latest rabbit tissue box covers, boxes, trays and more. Please email me with any questions. Hope to see you there!

Trunk Show

2009-03-01T10:13:00.021-07:00

- My Spring display at the Caviano Trunk Show

Judy Duran, Editor of the Caviano Newsletter wrote such a great article on my upcoming trunk show that I decided I could not say it any better myself. Please read on.

"Marching in the March Hares - Dual Trunk Show
March hares march in to Caviano beginning March 7, when we bring you the art of Robin King and Moni Marceau. A week-long Trunk Show featuring the work of these two artisans kicks off a sensational Springtime at the store, with special emphasis on their creations for this season of bunnies and rebirth. Moni and Robin will appear at the store to personally discuss their art and tell their stories on March 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

History in Paper & Chocolate Designs Not all historical treasures are old. Some are born out of Old World crafts, designs and materials. Such is the case with the decoupage designs of Robin King and the chalkware creations of Moni Marceau. The historical materials used to create their masterful pieces beautifully accent even the most precious antiques.

...Robin's inspiration for her decoupage art comes from the timeless beauty of the things she collects: antique papers. Robin creates beautifully hand-cut, hand-painted, hand-embellished wood and paper-mâché home accents from her collection of Victorian-era European and American papers. "Many of the papers from this era were used for decorating scrapbooks," explains Robin. "Suitors judged a woman on how well she scrapbooked." Robin's collection also includes a great variety of "cartoons" once used to make tapestries. The tapestry maker would transfer these intricate and colorful designs to linen with gouache paint to guide their needles. Old printing plates were melted down in WWII to provide metal for the war effort, so only the actual antique paper itself is all that remains of many of these historical designs. "The integrity of so many of these papers was beautifully preserved over time because they were stored in books," adds Robin. Robin scans, repairs and sizes the papers in her collection before storing the originals to be enjoyed by future generations. The decoupage process takes anywhere from 5 to 10 days to obtain an authentic aged look. From beginning to end, there are 12 steps in creating each of Robin's hand-crafted pieces, each of which is a unique one-of-a-kind treasure."

-Written by Judy Duran

Jesse the Pug

2009-02-21T20:53:00.012-07:00

I can't believe that my precious Pug Jesse will turn 14 this week. On the special day, we will sing happy birthday and let him eat an over-priced gourmet dog treat. I am sure he will wonder this year, like he has all the previous years, just what the heck we are doing as we sing and clap in a circle around him. But since it may mean extra food, he will play along with the ritual. When my husband and I were first married, I wanted a pug very badly, but apartment life did not seem right for a puppy. So on the weekends, my husband would drive me to dog shows just so I could catch a couple of Pug glimpses. Then the day came, we moved into our first home. I brought Jesse home before we even had time to put up a fence in our yard. Since that day he has been a great joy to our family. At my shows many people ask the question "do you have a Pug"? Just take a look below and you will see why.

Pug with Ball Tissue Box Cover

Fancy Dogs and Roses Tray

Fancy Pug Glass Plate

A very large 1800s Pug card from a Victorian Scrapbook that I just had to have. This is just one of the many antique pug papers that I just had to have.

Seeing Red

2009-01-22T20:29:00.002-07:00

RED. I cannot remember exactly when red became my favorite color, but it is one I do not want to live without. No matter how packed a store may be, or how many different items are at a show, it's always the red that jumps out at me. Here are a few of my favorite red pieces at home.

Antique Italian Chest

Vintage English Plate

Sweet lamb with a red bow.

And of course, my passion for red shows up in my work:

Cardinal Items - my favorite bird next to a robin

Dog Plate and Tissue Box Cover

Rooster on large wooden tray

Sunflower Wastepaper Basket and Tissue Box cover set

It is believed that red is the color of power. You have probably heard that for meetings you should wear a “red power tie” or “red power suit”. Maybe red gives us little extra courage. A few years ago, I read an article about a woman’s great aunt who would say “red lips for courage”. Whenever her aunt had a challenge ahead of her, she would always make sure she had on her red lipstick. I love that story and have been known to wear red lipstick myself just for a little dab of courage. So go ahead, add that red accent piece. Soon you may be be seeing red, too.

Toile Tissue Box Cover based on an antique French fabric

First Blog

2009-01-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to my first blog entry. Please check back for new products, new ideas, special events and upcoming show dates. Also, I will include beautiful things that inspire me. The early 1900s tapestry pictured below was hung in the living room of my childhood home. This was my first inspiration piece. It now hangs in my living room. As a child, I would stare at it for hours. I use to be an avid needlepointer. I was especially fond of needlework that featured Victorian-inspired animals. This led to researching Victorian imagery and finally to Victorian papers. Much of my antique paper collection consists of images from the pages of Victorian-era scrapbooks that have been safely tucked away in family attics and bookcases until they find their way to an estate sale, antique store or eBay. These images are so beautiful and I wanted to find a way to share these with others. Then one day I was looking through a decoupage book by a British artist and I knew exactly how to keep these beautiful images alive. Decoupage. With the help of technology, I make prints of the original images. Below is one of my creations featuring various Victorian images from my collection.
I have developed a special process to age each piece. With this technique, no two pieces are exactly alike. My goal is to age each piece in a consistently inconsistent way. I love the result.

More decoupage to come.