Swede

Tabletop: Rushing Spring with Green Decor

 

The Daffodils are pushing through the ground and stand about five inches high now.  Inside the house, though, I am trying to rush spring by using bright greens.

This tabletop grouping is in the living room on a 1902 marble top center table.

I brought out my apple green English Coalport porcelain dessert tray and yellow green Varga wine stems.

The green peapod porcelain sculpture is by Pamela Tidwell of Vieuxtemps. HERE .  I always loved Pamela's work but couldn't afford it. I found the peapod this summer at a charity consignment shop.  I would love to have her tall porcelain flower arrangements like the Foxgloves someday and I like her cantelope as well.  I always have my eye out for them and who knows maybe a piece will show up at the consignment shop again. I also gathered up an Anna Weatherley small dish and creamer that have greens in the designs.

On the Varga wines, the stems are all the same but the yellow green crystal bowls are all of different designs. The names of the patterns are all girl's names, Madison, Amelia, Sharon, Aspen, Gemma and Hattie. None of these are my family names.

 
The arrangement is placed on an old silverplate huge tray with Greek key design that I purchased on eBay.

The bright spring green is so refreshing during the winter.

The Annabelle Hydrangeas I dried when they bloomed this past summer. I have mixed them with Curly Willow, Green Orchids, Amaranth and Bells of Ireland.

The orientalist vase I also found at the same charity consignment shop. Actually there are a pair.

This week I am linking up to Tabletop Tuesday here:

http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

and linking up to Tablescape Thursday here:

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Summer

Photos: Swede

 

Daily Thing of Beauty: Forsythia

 

The true sign of Spring - Forsythia.  The first flowers are popping out now.

Love to Mr. Swede in Hawaii today. Forsythia is his favorite spring shrub as they remind him of his childhood in Connecticut. Me, No.  Yellow is not my color.

Summer

Photo: Swede

 

Tablescape: Tortoise But No Hare

 

You all know how I like to take one table design and change it slightly to get another one out of it.  Today I am showing how I changed my last all white anniversary table by adding brown. Here is the quick link to the all white one: http://swede.typepad.com/swede/2012/01/tablescape-winter-white.html

I am using all the tortoise tabletop items I have. Hare is not on the menu.

All the china is Jaune de Chrome except the Anna Weatherley butter plates.

I have a weakness for French porcelain and maker Jaune de Chrome is one of my favorite for modern non-antique porcelain. This is their pattern called Tortoise Encrusted.

I chose to limit purchasing this pattern to only the charger and the rim soup. I use the rim soups for appetizers, desserts and salads.

Above is the Tortoise charger and rim soup to start the meal with the appetizer served in the rim soup bowl. I like having the sides on the bowl instead of a flat plate.

The glaze on the rims is fabulous and unique. Sometimes in the light it has a lavendar cast.

Dinner plates are Jaune de Chrome's Gypsies pattern.

Tortoise flatware is from Vietri and tortoise napkin ring is from Kim Seybert.  Mocha chocolate colored Primrose Bordier monogrammed napkin is Le Jacquard Francais.

Close up of the Seybert napkin ring made of tortoise colored discs on a square gold beaded ring.

Jungle animal print tumblers are by Slant from Dillard's. Water goblet is William Yeoward's pattern Flavia.

Table view.

I switched out the big white coral pieces for smaller ones in the centerpiece.

I moved the seashell sculpture from the foyer console table to use at the center of this table.

I also kept from the last tablescape the white quilted tablecloth from Macy's as well as the clear candlesticks from Pottery Barn.

End view of the table.

Dessert plates are also Jaune de Chrome in their pattern Jungle Ambre.

I couldn't resist using white and chocolate colors in the dessert.

 

I am participating in Tablescape Thursday this week on the blog Between Naps on the Porch.

To see all the entries, after 9:00PM Eastern on Wednesday, go here:

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Summer

Photos: Swede

 

Daily Thing of Beauty: Pink Roses

 

Here is a promise of something pretty to come.

I don't know the name of this variety, but they are indeed intense.

I think we have only one real florist left in town, so I am so glad the grocery stores have a floral section.  I need the colorful beauty to get me through the chilly overcast days.

Simple clear Pottery Barn Bosporous vase on an large antique silverplate tray. 

The rose color is electric pink. I've placed some pink porcelain items with it, a French Old Paris porcelain hand painted scenic cup and an English salad plate made by Cauldon and sold by Tiffany's New York at the turn of the century.

I love making collages, so here is one.

The lady reading a book statue was found in France. It was part of something like a clock, long lost.

This is my tabletop design for the living room this week placed on a 1902 marble top center table.

They have now been in the house a week and are starting to fade.

This week I am linking up to Tabletop Tuesday viewable after 6:00PM Eastern on Monday evenings here:

http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

Summer
Photos: Swede

 

Daily Dose of Beauty: Found in the Death of the Roses

 

As these golden Roses faded away, their scent from the Rose oil permeated the house.  Stronger in death than in life.  A sweet message.

I see so much beauty in the colors of their hanging heads.

A beautifully sad goodbye.

Summer

Photos: Swede

 

Tablescape: Winter White

 

Still in love with white in all its various shades. Whether winter or summer.

Mr. Swede and I just celebrated our 20 year anniversary. This would be great for a bridal dinner anytime of year as well.

White coral is so easy to decorate with.  Put a few pieces in the center of the table and you're done.

Stemware is Simon Pearce's Stratton pattern on the left and William Yeoward's Flavia on the right.

All the china is Anna Weatherley.  I just got the chargers and love them. Undulating edge in gold and totally plain in a great size. Dinner plates are Anna's Simply Anna pattern in white on white. Bread and butter is very simple with a cute shape.  Butter knives are French made by Jean Dubost.

This is really a simple table. No flowers, no placecards, no service plates, no fuss.

Napkins were purchased from a very sweet American lady living in France who loves the brocantes and flea markets like I do. This is Mr. Swede's monogram, so I had to buy them. Also came with a tablecloth. Napkins are actually lapkins as they are 30" wide. It took me a while to learn how the French fold such a huge lapkin to get it this size.

Flatware is mostly antique mother of pearl sets I have found at places like Roundtop and from various antique dealers.  The forks and fish knives came as a set.  The ice tea spoon is new from Vietri. I'm not sure regular spoons were ever made in MOP as I have never found any.  You see mostly knife sets.

Heavy quilted cotton cloth with scalloped edge.

When guests know this can be thrown in the washing machine they relax. I have found many people have a fear of white. Pillow on the sofa in the back of the room is from Callisto Home.

View of the placesetting.

Clear glass candleholders and four inch chunky candles are from Pottery Barn.

Most of the large coral pieces were a gift from Mr. Swede over a period of years and are from the Iron Gate shop in Franklin, TN, which we love visiting.

There is more white coral in the mercury glass on this console table I designed for Swede Collection. This is the mercury glass I showed in my New Year's table last week.

Also in the dining room is this Swedish buffet cabinet I designed for Swede Collection with the leaf tip trim and stepped base. Of course, it is full of plates!

I love the natural beauty of white coral so much I can't imagine getting tired of decorating with it and storing it away.

I'm going to keep this one on the table for a few weeks as I never tire of white.

I am participating in Tablescape Thursday this week on the blog Between Naps on the Porch.

To see all the entries, after 9:00PM Eastern on Wednesday, go here:

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Summer

Photos: Swede

 

Tabletop: Console Table Decor

 

I have switched up the decor on my hallway console table. This is the one that had my Santos Angels during the holidays.

I decided to put metal pieces here to tie in with the metal balcony in the photo on the wall.  This is a photo of a building taken by Mr. Swede in Paris this summer that I had enlarged and put on 30x40 gallary wrap canvas.

With this wider view you can see that it is a canvas.  Looks like I captured a creative cobweb as well.  This Franco-Swedish console table with brown marble top I designed for Swede Collection. The shadow box being a gray/blue goes very well with the color of the console. This hallway is narrow and has columns for the dining room which block being able to take a photo straight on.

The two metal candlestands on the ends are from Tuesday Morning. The shadow box is from Wisteria and other pieces are from Hobby Lobby.

This week I am linking up to Tabletop Tuesday viewable after 6:00PM Eastern on Monday evenings here:

http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

Summer
Photos: Swede

 

Holiday: Taking It Easy

 

Since today is a holiday, I'd sure like to lay around and do nothing.

Unfortunately, I have to go to work. Hope you can take it easy.

Summer

Photo: Mr. Swede in San Francisco

 

Travel: San Francisco - I'm Jealous

 

Mr. Swede just sent me this photo he took with his BlackBerry phone in San Francisco.  The nerve of him -- saying "Wish You Were Here".  We moved there 18 years ago and stayed 5 years. I don't think I've been back. I'd love to go to the Alameda Point Flea Market tho. It wasn't there when we lived there.

My jealousy won't last long as he's going to Anchorage tomorrow morning. Sure don't want to go there.

Summer

Photo: Mr. Swede  

Daily Dose of Beauty: More Love of White

 

I'm in the loving white phase again.  And I like making collages. Here's today's daily dose of white beauty.

Here are some Lilies, white coral and an antique monogrammed towel from my bathroom.

The photo is of my Grandmother Ethel Lawyer and her oldest son, my Uncle Leo, taken around 1914.  Pretty white dress and gown on the child. I wish I could have known my Grandmother, but she died in a car accident coming to see me when I was born. She had five children; my Mother was the only girl. Thinking of her today.

Summer

Photo: Swede

 

Tablescape: Silver and Gray in January

 

Below is our New Year's table.  I wanted to use my mercury glass with some white coral pieces and as many silver china pieces that I could find, but keep the theme a simple silver and gray one.

I put together several collages of different shots of the table which I think I will show you in succession and then describe what I am using at the end.

The silver tablecloth is one I made and have shown before. I made it from 7.5 yds. of acetate satin. It is washable but loses its smooth texture and looks crinkled which could be a look that you might like. I spilled grapefruit juice on it New Year's Day at breakfast so it will look different next time.

Almost all of the large mercury glass pieces are from Pottery Barn purchased three or four years ago. The candlesticks are probably Tuesday Morning or Target. I like mercury glass so will pick it up wherever I see it if I like the shape.  I have never found an antique piece, however.

Chargers & Medium Soups:  JL Coquet Matte Hemisphere Platinum. Serving platters used as chargers.

Dinner & Bread Plates: Niderviller Grand Siecle Henri IV pattern with crown logo.

Napkins: Black and white toile by Williams-Somona.

Stemware: Stratton pattern by Simon Pearce.

Silver Mugs: Antique sterling. Close up shown from 1889 is Gorham.

Sterling: Gorham's St. Cloud pattern.  

Dessert Plate: English Cauldon.

I am participating in Tablescape Thursday this week on the blog Between Naps on the Porch.

To see all the entries, after 9:00PM Eastern on Wednesday, go here:

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Summer

Photos: Swede  

 

 

Women Who Make Beautiful Things: Spotlight On Tammy Randolph

 

Saturday here was a dreary overcast day. One you normally wouldn't want to get out of bed for. But this Saturday was different.  It was one to jump out of bed for. I got one of 12 seats in Amy Howard's workshop in Memphis on antiquing mirror and eglomise. I would even go so far as saying it was a life changing day. Why?  Because the class was taught by Tammy Randolph.  Glass expert.

When I saw this notice in my email, I immediately called to grab a seat and I was the first one to sign up.  [Sigh of relief].  This was my third workshop at Amy Howard's and I say the last is always the best, like husbands. Amy and I married our last and best husbands a week apart 20 years ago.

Tammy has worked at Artisan Studios for five years.  If you see any mirroring work on furniture in the Amy Howard Collection, Tammy did it.

From the Amy Howard Collection HERE.

Mr. Swede has a saying about getting people to do a project like a brick patio.  He says there are technicians and there are artists.  Most people could lay brick with instruction, but a brick in the hands of an artist with talent and vision becomes a masterpiece.  Tammy is an artist.  I can't express how fortunate I feel to be taught by her.  Some artists can't teach.  Tammy can teach and is passionate about her work and thoroughly knowledgeable.  Those are the kind of people you want to take classes from.  If you follow my blog, you know I've been to a few classes in my day.

This class was on taking purchased mirrors, new or old, and antiquing the mirror.  But the real thrill was learning how to do eglomise.  Her examples mounted on the wall were stunning. 

Here are the two products we used. They are $104 through Amy Howard at Home. You will  also need a few other items like mica powder, shellac, spray lacquer, old newspaper, paper towels, black paint, a mylar stencil, etc.  My first project, you ask?

I'm going to start on a few small projects first.  I have several antique mirror frames where the original mirror broke and someone replaced it with new clear mirror.  Well, they just don't look right. On the one above, after I fix the mirror, I am going to antique the metal frame itself that someone has painted solid gold. It needs some history.  Basically, you remove the black paint on the backside with bottle #1 to expose the silvering.  If you are familiar with or have used Franmar Soy Gel paint remover made out of soybeans, this is very similar. Then you manipulate the silver layer with bottle #2.  Amy Howard at Home has a You Tube video of Tammy with the product, but it is really just a teaser, not instruction of all the steps.  The class was a busy full three hours. I highly recommend taking a class even if you are the adventuresome kind as there are so many hints and information that only a master can teach.

And, eglomise?  Holy Cow that was exciting.  I can't wait to try it.

Have you ever wondered how this was done?  I sure did.  The reason this class was what I call life changing is because on Friday I couldn't do antique mirrors [process failed in a former class I took] or do eglomise.  On Saturday I did.  The way I can tell if I attended a great class is if there are so many creative ideas that come to my head that I can't get them all written down fast enough.  And by the time I am driving out of the parking lot, I have already designed products like clock faces, jewelry boxes, framed miniature silhouettes on glass, lamp bases, etc., etc.   Thank you, Tammy.  Such a thrill.

I also want to say one more thing.  Those who know me have heard me talk about what I think the number one characteristic is that makes a leader.  Courage.  Courage to share your talents and teach others what you are skilled at. I said the same thing when I took a class from designer Tobi Fairley in Little Rock.  Good businesswomen understand this.  Thank you Amy Howard for letting Tammy's talents be known by 12 new people.

Summer

Photos: Swede except Amy Howard Collection

 

Today's Daily Dose of Beauty: Golden Roses

 

Grocery store Roses in my dining room.  It was an ugly overcast gray day today.

Why can't they last forever?

As soon as I take the holiday decorations down I want it to immediately be Spring.  So nice that flowers are at their peak in South America. These were grown in Colombia.

Summer

Photos: Swede

Daily Dose of Beauty: White Casablanca Lilies

 

I love white flowers in the winter. Don't know why they appeal to me so much when it is cold outside. Today's Daily Dose of Beauty is this bouquet of six Casablanca white Lilies from the Fresh Market grocery store.

Here is the photo without a filter. Mr. Swede likes the photos untouched.

Here are the Lilies with a stained glass filter which I like.  So you have a choice!

Love the purity of the Lily.

And, that scent!!  This photo was taken on January 1st.  They have all opened up now so the bouquet is quite large.  A lot to love for $18.

Summer

Photos: Swede

 

Tablescape: Maroon-Puce-Raspberry-Magenta?? What to call it?

 

Today's tablescape for the holidays is the third in a series. What has become almost my trademark style is to get the most stretch out of a tablescape by doing change ups for each meal over several days with the same basic design framework. Change ups give each one a different look.

First I showed you the Friday night dinner in magenta here: http://swede.typepad.com/swede/2011/12/tablescape-holiday-dinner-in-magenta.html

Second, I showed you the Saturday lunch in cranberry here: http://swede.typepad.com/swede/2011/12/tablescape-cranberry-and-magenta.html

So today is the Saturday evening dinner.  I have mixed all reddish-purplish colors so I don't know whether to call it raspberry, maroon or puce???

The changes from the previous two posts in this dinner tablescape are the goblets, tumblers, and dinner plates. The centerpiece has been changed up a bit and the ornaments on the plates are a different style. Jeweled glass ornaments from Target last year.

I kept the silver tablecloth, runner and the napkins.

 
The dinner plates with magenta swags of flowers are antique German.  I am also reusing the Haviland Malmaison magenta bread and butter plates, the Jaune de Chrome English Rose on Song chargers and Tiffany St. James antique sterling.

New to this tablescape are the water goblets which are Varga's pattern Imperial Grande in the color raspberry. The tumblers are from Bormioli Rocco & Figlio of Italy in the Bicchiere Sorgente pattern and colorway Fucsia.

Collection of the Varga stems.

 
Here is a close up of the place setting.

The flowers I arranged in the baby cups are still good from the day before.

Here is a collage of the stemware and the mercury glass pedestal bowl with new magenta ornaments added.

The only thing I changed in the centerpiece was the addition of more magenta ornaments.

Here you can see a partial overview of the dining room with the Swede Collection console against the window. To see the post on the arrangement on the console go to Holiday Decor in Magenta HERE.
A view of the end of the table. 

Another collage of the flowers and glassware.

I really enjoy making the switch ups to extend the tablescape theme over several meals for a weekend.

There is alot to do in preparing the meals so this plan works for me. Guests so far haven't complained about seeing much of the same thing.

A wider view of the table.

Antique sterling baby cups used to hold the flowers and a close up of the new centerpiece ornaments.

Bird's eye view.

Mercury glass pedestal bowl.

Large glass vases on the console filled with ornaments.

 
Another collage.

I love how all these purple-y colors seem to mix.

These silver mercury glass trees came from Dillard's last year. Love using clear sparkley bead garland with mercury glass.

More maroon and magenta.

This was taken before I put the flowers back on the table.

Lots of raspberry and cranberry colors.

I like buying bowls on pedestals.  It gets the focus up off the flat tabletop.

I am participating in Tablescape Thursday this week on the blog Between Naps on the Porch.

To see all the entries, after 9:00PM Eastern on Wednesday, go here:

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Summer

Photos: Swede

 

Daily Dose of Beauty: Things Around The House

 

As you know, I'm an original content blogger, well about 99.99%, so I look for things around the house or yard to photo. 

Here is a warm-toned winter collage of a crown on a peach marble-top table in my living room, some big shells, and an Amaryllis plant in the dining room.  Love the peachy-ness of it all.

Summer

Photos: Swede

Daily Dose of Beauty: New Year's Toast

 

Love the sparkle of mercury glass in the cold of January.

Simon Pearce Stratton goblet to ring in the new year.

Summer

Photo: Swede