Swede

Tablescapes: Masins Seattle Hosts DIFFA Tabletalk Seminar

 

While in Seattle Saturday, September 8, I attended the tablescape event at Masins Furniture store in Bellevue HERE.  If you have been a long-time blog reader, you know my love for creating tablescapes.  I could not miss this.  Check my archives under the category tablescapes. I moved from the Seattle area in 1998 before the store opened in Bellevue so I had not been in the store before.  At the end of this post, I will show some vignettes in the store.  Thanks to the Masin family for making this seminar open to the public to enjoy. Friday evening was the fundraiser at the store for DIFFA [Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS].

The event panel consisted of three women. First, Tobi Fairley, an interior designer from Little Rock [remember that I blogged about attending one of her first design camps in Arkansas]. I have been a long-time subscriber to her blog HERE. Second, Kathryn Greeley, interior designer and author from North Carolina - I have her book and follow her blog too HERE. Third, Mindy Lockard who I did not know about - blog HERE, who talked about table etiquette.

Tobi Fairley [who was as stunning, lovely and friendly as I remembered her] in addition to doing a tablescape also designed the entrance vignette to Masins store using the young David Masin family as her pseudo design client. I want to show you those photos first before discussing the other 12 tablescapes of the designers.  

Tobi spoke about the design elements she used in this red, blue and white room.

Just ignore the price tags hanging off the furnishings. I apologize for the light reflections and quality of my indoor photos. I spy Tobi's design on the red lantern Rothesay sconce HERE.

I recognize the Hickory Chair Furniture Co. center table HERE.  The framed labels attract close examination and conversation.  The tabletop items on this table have great proportion and tie the blues and whites together.

Here is a close-up view of the accessories.

Aren't those red Tulips dashing? They bring the entire room together. This striped rug is by Dash and Albert HERE.  I am considering the purchase one of their rugs for under my dining table because it is in their indoor/outdoor collection which is easily cleanable. I thought it would be the perfect solution to food spills under a table.  I'm a bit tired of my flat-weave Aubusson and looking for a change.  I need a 9x12 rug which size they don't sell and Tobi gave the audience the perfect answer to my problem - sew two 6x9 rugs together.  Thank you, Tobi for solving my design dilemma. The stripes are too casual for me, but I am thinking of the solid white one. Should look great with Swedish interiors.

Above you can see the red lantern and stripe fabric of the table runner from Tobi Fairley Home.  The wall stripe paint is the same blue from the living room. I like the nine white plates on the wall.  When I've hung plates, I paint the tips of the wires the color of the plates so they don't show.  The white plates are simple but striking. I am also a fan of white dining chairs.  Of course, I have a secret fabric that I use that is extremely durable and cleanable that I have used throughout our home. It is No Fear White. Discussing the centerpieces, Tobi inserted a glass cylinder into a larger one to create space to place red ribbon.  I am going to steal that idea too, only use other items not ribbon -- just think of the possibilities.  Tobi used the David Masin family's blue and white china.  It looks like it could be the Blue Fluted Mega pattern by Royal Copenhagen. I see dark blue Kim Seybert capiz shell placemats [I have the aqua ones] underneath of some red spray-painted acrylic chargers.  I liked Tobi's idea of spray painting inexpensive chargers different colors for various tablescapes you do.  I sprayed some brass ones and the paint peeled off. I believe she said the napkins had an iron-on embroidered transfer -- I will have to look into doing that.  Hopefully less expensive than having my monogram lady do my napkins if they stay on after being washed.  Inside the napkin folds are Recipies For Life messages. 

I struggle with getting my centerpieces low so people can see over them. I'm always looking for ideas to accomplish this.  I will further discuss this later in the post in my thoughts on the other table designs.

I have mentioned before in my tablescape blogs my top five requirements for a successful tablescape.  The first one is relevance.  Tobi's table is a perfect example of my rule.  The most successful design relates the elements of the table to the guest of honor or event of the dinner. Here you see Tobi used red ribbons and chargers for AIDS to salute the DIFFA fundraiser event and each placecard has the name of Me, Sister, Brother, Mom, i.e., people in a family who are affected when a family member has AIDS.  The cards in the napkins also bring this message home.

Up next is this pink orange and black soft orientalist theme table with orange stools by designer Beth Dotolo.

I LOVE that wallcovering of large damask.  I just bought an extra large stencil to do that on one wall of my dining room which I hope to execute in the next few weeks.

The orientalist style on this table is delivered with the abundant white Orchids and Dahlias, metallic gold noodle bowls, chopsticks and black lacquer table. The stools which are probably drinks tables or garden-type stools rather than dining stools are an attractive color, but would be difficult to sit on through a three-hour dinner.  Comfortable seating is rule number two on my tablescaping requirements.

The Dahlias are so pretty and I love Cockscomb.

The moss in the tall vases appeared to be dry, so I surmised the white orchids were in floral water tubes.

It appears that the runner coordinates with the creme underplates to the bowls. The height of the vases was discussed at the seminar and it was agreed that they would need to be removed during the dinner.  I think they would be perfect on the buffet or console table against the wall.  I personally struggle with centerpiece heights in my tablescapes as it seems hard for me to be creative on low arrangements.  You want the impact that these stunning arrangements have yet they are not practical.  I feel bad when a guest gets up and removes my creation. I also struggle occasionally with just too much stuff in the center of the table. But I'm working on it.

On to the next exhibit.

I was very impressed by this purple table by designers Diane Summers and Deanna Dayment.  I loved the shape of the leopard placemats for round tables.  Nice mirrored chargers. Loved the tumbler and stemware.  What was successful about this table was that it had a "real" factor that invited you to sit down by having the red and white wine already poured into the stems and water present in the tumbler.

Congratulations ladies on knocking that out of the ballpark.

Notice the metal screen with stars in front of the purple painted wall. Its see-through effect added just enough visual interest. I also give these designers points for my rule of tieing the table elements to the theme. Here they were designing for a restaurant named Purple. They also conquered the urge to overdo the center of the table with stuff. 

The purple vases of orchids could easily be moved to the sideboard leaving the vase of white Roses in the center to be stunning in and of itself.  Nice job.

Moving to the next tablescape by designers Sue Trudell and Kim Beauregard.

This tablescape had a pink and lime green garden theme. I don't know for sure, but I would guess that the pink and lime votive candleholders are Glassybaby products since that company is headquartered in Seattle HERE.  People outside Seattle might not be familiar with their products and charitable mission.

The centerpiece was a child's chair with white Roses on the seat. Ivy vines ran on the tabletop.

And this moss purse with flowers in it.

Here is a place setting. Loved the pink napkins and silver napkin rings.

Another look at the table.

Next is this table designed by Rich Holliday for The Hunt Club in an animal theme. The blue and white ceramic elephant centerpiece is an attention getter. Note the texture of the three runners that criss-cross the table for the six placesettings.

I believe this china charger is Jaguar Jungle by Lynn Chase. Rich hit the target dead center with my rule number one of relevance to the theme for the Hunt Club.

The opalescence of this platter is stunning.  Maybe not something to eat off of but it is eye candy.  You could serve some types of appetizer on it but its impact is really for a serivce plate before guests sit down. This table design was done by Christie Long for the restaurant Seastar.

I just LOVE the sea colors of blues and greens which hits the theme for Seastar right on target. Love the clear sparkley flatware and the color of the charger.  I would have loved to see this on a much bigger table so there was room for the glass balls, seaglass and tealights.  The centerpiece is a very tall glass sculptural vase that was too tall to get it in the photo.

The rattan table and chairs are fitting for this theme. Notice that the tabletop is covered with irridescent cellophane.  I might use that idea sometime.  About my tablescape rule number five to leave blank space on the tabletop, I want to mention here that the most memorable table I have ever seen was nothing more than a white plate with an old sterling fork on a white tablecloth with an orchid color napkin and clear crystal goblet in an all-white Swedish room that had a crystal chandelier. It was so simple but heavenly I have never forgotten it. No layering of chargers and a multitude of plates -- no stuff. 

One more look at this stunner.

 
This table using green reindeer moss was designed by the team of Meredith Mallott and Lori Broznowski for the restaurant Crush.

Store owner Bob Masin did this sportsman's table for Steelhead Diner. The mission style of the chairs and table are very fitting.  Table elements include the fish theme plates with flies, runner and napkins, fly rods and reels across the tabletop and a fish net.

The centerpiece was a divided tray from a tacklebox holding flies, spinners and sinkers with white Chrysanthemum heads in the squares.

Diane Akana of Neiman-Marcus did this table with McKenzie-Childs ceramics.  I believe that is wild long-grain rice in the bowl.

This autumn design with the velvet pumpkins was for the restaurant Mariposa.

Next, this table for one is the entry of Renee Manier and Page Campau for the restaurant Pearl.

On to the next one, artist Kathe Fraga for the restaurant Rovers. The framed photo is of the chef in the straw hat, Chef Thierry Rautureau. Kathe also displayed a grouping of men's hats on a halltree. 

Kathe used all vintage and flea market finds for this table.  There are three tablecloths layered here with silverplate trays and flatware as well as many whimsical and decorative objects.

Above is a wider view of the area around her table filled with vintage items.  The bird dinner plates coordinate with the birds on her paintings and pillows.

Kathe was at the event and I had the pleasure of meeting her and talking to her about her art.  Her miniature paintings were at the placesettings and a large canvas was behind the table. Her custom pillows were there as well as her greeting cards.

This table is by Tim DeClue for the restaurant Spinasse.

Tim used vintage silverplate trays as chargers.  The metal mushrooms are interesting. You can also see the black stones in the center.

This table appears to be made of metal with log benches.  I like the clear stemware but don't know the maker - will have to ask.

Last of the 13 tables, but not least, is this tablescape by J. David Welch for the restaurant Volterra.

Here is a wider view.

Close up of the place setting.

I promised to show you some vignettes around the store, so here they are:

Vignette One. 

View from a different angle.

Close up of the chair.

Vignette two.  Seeing the black oriental lacquer screens tempted me to consider getting mine out of the attic.

Vignette three.

Vignette four.

Vignette five showing the black buffet.

Masins Furniture is located in the Bellevue area of Seattle at 10708 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98004 or call 425-450-9999.

Hope you enjoyed viewing the tables with me.

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

 

Furniture: Painting Amelia Via Amy Howard Workshop in Memphis

 

Amelia, since you may be wondering, is an occasional chair frame in the Amy Howard Collection. Amelia Chair   The Amy Howard studio is in Memphis, TN. In January 2011, Amy began offering painting classes held at her East Memphis outlet.

 

I was so thrilled to be able to attend and learn her painting techniques.

I just picked up Amelia from the upholstery shop. Done.  All finished.  So, here she is:

 

The hands-on workshop at Amy Howard is actually the third class I have taken there. 

In the photo above, you can also see a chest I painted a couple years ago in a taupe metallic finish. Also shown are some demijohns brought back from France that my husband and I selected at Roundtop antiques show in Texas this spring. I liked the aqua ones and he liked the green ones. Behind the demijohns is an original painting that I did.  The photo is cropped so you can't see much of it.

The first class I took in January was on creating the Toscana finish with gold leaf edge on a small piece of wood. 

 

This class is doing that finish on an actual piece of furniture.  Students had a choice between two different chairs or a bench.  Another student in the class, Sam, and I picked the Amelia chair and Beth chose the bench.

 

I took this photo outside so maybe you could see the finish a little better. It is so dark inside the house.

The fabric is a cocoa colored linen with a gold metallic painted damask pattern.

If you are within driving distance of Memphis, Tennessee and love to paint furniture, I suggest this class.  It was not taught by Amy herself but by Lauren who she trained and Ned who is very talented and works at the studio.  His instruction was invaluable. Thanks, Ned.

 

Here is the raw wood frame that I started with.

 

I know this sounds crazy when you want to end up with a light painted piece, but the first step is to stain it.  Just one of the layers to get to the end result.

 

Then the legno gesso.  Then water based paint.

 

Here Ned is quick drying it with a torch.

 

Here fly speck aging has been applied and Ned has distressed the frame with a scraper.

 

Red boulle water based paint has been placed where the gold leaf will be applied.   

 

Here I have started applying the gold leaf over the boulle paint.

 

The gold leaf is now on.

 

The last step is adding light and dark wax and some dust of the ages.

 

This photo shows how the wax brings out the aging.  I loved this wax but on a future chair, I would not distress it by scraping back the paint so much.

 

 

 

 

 
Students are having a fun time.

 

 
For information or to sign up for classes, contact Lauren Stone at [email protected]. For information on purchasing furniture at the outlet, contact Amy Hyneman at [email protected].

To see a previous post I did on Amy Howard Collection furniture, go here:

http://swede.typepad.com/swede/2010/07/amy-howard-furniture-at-vesta-showcase-memphis.html

Now that we have finished class, do you want to walk around the outlet with me and look at some Amy Howard Collection pieces?  I'll show you some of my favorites.

 

Love this console table.

 

The versatile Darnell chest used beside a bed.

 

Lots of different style chests to pick from.

 

Cute nightstand.

 

Absolutely love this.

 

Lots of mirrored pieces to select from.

 

Including this four poster bed and chest.

 

One of my favorite beds.  It would be hard to choose.

 

Here is another one.

 

 

 So many lovely pieces.  Did you see any you liked?

I'm awaiting the new workshop list to see if there is another class that excites me.

Summer

Photos: Swede

 

Faux Painting: Unlimited Designs for Your Beautiful Decor

 

Do you faux?

Can you envision this turquoise and gold on your powder room walls?

 

Are you curious how this is done?

 

Have you ever wanted a silver drop dead foyer?

 

Can you imagine this painting over your fireplace mantle? [with your signature in the corner]

 

Would you like your artwork frames to look nicer?

 

Ever wanted kitchen cabinets 2die4?

 

Does this cabinet door lift your spirits every time you see it?

 

Or maybe you love an oriental look.

 

Ever wonder how this is done?

 

Does this take your breath away?

 

Or this?

 

Can you imagine where you could put these?

 

Does this make your heart pound faster?

 

Need choices?

 

Love turquoise?

It's all here:

 

Let this lovely lady teach you how to make your home expressly unique.

 

To see available classes, go here: Southern Institute

You will love the endless possibilities of how you can change your decor yourself.  I've loved every minute of the three classes I have taken here. The instruction is supurb.  I only wish I had discovered this Institute years ago.  The fun awaits you!

Summer

Photos: Swede

Annie Sloan: Chalk Paint Inventor's American Tour

 

 

  

Annie Sloan of England brought her Chalk Paint to the American market. Formerly only available in Europe, the formula is now produced and distributed in Louisiana.

Her American tour, March 1-15, takes place in Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Texas, North Carolina and New Jersey.  To learn more, go to her website: here 

Virginia Weathersby, owner of The Southern Institute of Faux Finishing in Brandon, MS hosted the one-day workshop on March 4. For the website go here: TSIFF 

 

This workshop, taught by Brit Annie Sloan was to introduce her paint line called Chalk Paint to American painters. As the old addage goes, "necessity is the Mother of invention", Annie created Chalk Paint to get the desirable properties in a paint where others failed to perform to her liking.

What is Chalk Paint and how is it different? In Annie's words, this water-based paint available in 24 colors is a soft matte paint for use on almost anything to allow the user to work in an independent, intuitive and creative way. 

 

You can create a distressed French or Swedish look, a plaster look, a washed wood look or even do a blackboard. Each of the 24 colors can be expanded to more colors by combining paints.

 

This storyboard shows examples of fabulous applications on furniture, walls and doors. Love that door on the right.

The 21 women and men in this workshop prepared six boards to demonstrate the techniques: Two Color, Textured Colored Wax, Clouded Stipple, Crackle Paint, Textured Paint and Lime Look Wash. Starting with this:

 

And ending with this:

 

 

I guarantee you this is not difficult. It is a lot of fun and you can do it too. Students in the class ranged from professionals who make their living faux finishing to students who had never painted before.

I'll walk you through a few of these techniques. The first one is the Two Color Technique on a piece of egg and dart molding.

 

 

Let dry between each coat.

 

The secret here is the English wax. Clear always goes on first. Wipe off excess brown wax to suit your taste. Below is what the Hannant's wax looks like.

 

Next, sand through to expose the underlying color. You can distress as much or little as you like.

 

Here's the end result. See, how easy was that.  With a little instruction, you can paint anything.

 

Let's walk through another one. This is my favorite called Clouded Stipple.

 

Versailles is the base coat. Then dapple on small amounts of Old Violet and Old White with the tip edge of your brush and merge to make cloudy.

 

Brush on sizing and let get tacky. Then apply the gold leaf sheet.

 

This is how mine looked.

 

 

 

 

You can also remove some of the brown wax by using another coat of clear wax.

 

I won't run you through all six finishes step by step.  Here are some random shots of the Textured Colored Wax, Textured Paint, Crackle Paint and Lime Look Wash.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wipe off as much or as little of the brown wax as you prefer. That was easy, wasn't it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

And you're done!

 

 

 

 

 

Here are various finishes you can create with Chalk Paint.

 

 

And here are photos of the class.

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed your class with me in Brandon, MS via this post.

If you would like to take a Chalk Paint class, the next one at The Southern Institute is April 15.

All the best,

Summer

Photos: Swede

Design Bliss: Amy Howard Workshops Start in January in Memphis

 

Can you believe my excitement when I read my email announcement that Amy Howard is going to conduct workshops starting in January in her Memphis shop??  Wow!  I have been waiting for this good news. 

 

I immediately called and signed up for two of the three classes she is offering.  I am so excited!  I immediately recognized in the above announcement the aqua chairs in the back row.  I wonder if she will teach that finish.

 

Here is one of two of her chairs I have in my home office. My office is currently decorated differently but the chair is still there. You might also recall I did a blog post on Amy Howard's furniture in a showhouse on July 6th.  You can see more of her line at amyhowardcollection.com, but she doesn't picture all her products. I would suspect this is from problems like other companies have of knock offs being made.  Amy also has a blog which can be accessed from her website.

Have you noticed lately how many nationally known designers are now giving camps, classes and workshops?  Seems to be a new trend which I think is smart business. I did a post September 21 on the camp I took from Tobi Fairley of Little Rock, Arkansas.  Tobi also has a variety of new classes, so check them out. http://tobifairley.com/blog/topic/design-camp/

Can't wait to tell you about my class in January.

Summer

Photo Credit:  Amy Howard Collection and Swede