Wednesday, March 19, 2008

My Darling Daughter's Wedding Decor



My only daughter just got married a few weeks ago. She requested that I be the one to decorate for the reception. I've decorated for other receptions and wedding luncheons by improvising with what I had on hand. But since she's my only daughter, I felt like I needed to do more than just improvise. Now mind you, I would NEVER recommend decorating for your child's wedding because, if you're like me, you look back at pictures of yourself and see only a very puffy-eyed, tired looking mother of the bride. But how could I say no to my one and only daughter, as well as to the opportunity to stretch my talents?

So the process began to design a backdrop that was simple yet elegant. It's so nice to have a husband who helps take my vision and make it a reality. I design, he builds, I paint and do the finish work. We make a great team!

The backdrop is made from wood and the center is embossed wall paper that I painted to look like tin. My daughter's wedding colors were red and black with a little silver thrown in to honor the glam of the girly-girl that she is. We also made the columns and centerpieces to go along with the backdrop. She was very happy with the outcome which made all the work worth it!!!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

It Started With a Suitcase



It started with a suitcase that contained all of my Barbie accessories (YES, I was born before Rubbermaid containers were popular forms of storage). I would spend time with Barbie and Ken designing their home. I was not one of those girls who had a Barbie house, so I improvised by using a coffee table. Barbie's formal living areas were on the carpet and her bedroom was on the "second story" coffee table. I also started to design and make furniture for my small client---she was easy to please. When I got too old to play with my own dolls I made doll furniture for the little girls I babysat.

Now, years and years later, I still have a soft spot in my heart for the memories associated with an old suitcase. I'm still improvising my home decor and designing and building furniture, only it's life size now. I have been blessed, in the last few years, to be able to help others design and decorate their homes. It's funny how one small suitcase can influence your life.

P.S.
You've probably heard designers and home organizers give the hint to take pictures of your home so you can see it through new eyes? Well, this is why....notice the dirty windows, not quite closed drawers and the large cloche on the floor that hasn't found a new home yet? Oh well, who says life has to look like a magazine cover? After all, that's still life, not real life!