Holly and Boughs on a Dress Form

My girlfriend has a shop in the delightful store called Ruffles and Rust in Snohomish. The store closed down for three days to spruce it up for the Holiday Season. Everyone worked so hard and it was beautiful. I was asked to design an area in the back of the store and I am posting some photos from that design.

Anyone can do this if they own a dress form. I put twine around the waist and worked cedar boughs under the twine until she had a full skirt. Then I wound red ribbon around her waist to form a cummerbund. Finally I stuck sprigs of holly in the ribbon. I think she is just beautiful!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Decorating the house for Christmas is one of my favorite things to do. Every year I use some of the same traditional arrangements that I cherish, and add new ideas to keep things fresh. because of all the different styles you can use, the possibilities are endless. What is your favorite vignette that you have used over the years?

In the entry foyer I decorated in a Dr. Seuss style. I was inspired by a hat I saw at Ben Franklin. My stone statues are wearing one, as well as the tree!

I got these amazing reindeer at Ruffles and Rust. They are so whimsical.

The picture behind the buffet contains one of my all time favorite presents. My daughter embroidered 12 panels with  a  hand drawn picture depicting the different traditions we love in our family.
It is beyond amazing!

Let me introduce myself...

I love everything about homes, gardens, holidays, family and anything else that lends itself to creativity. I wake up in the morning full of ideas! Hence, the subtitle to my Blog title.

I have been inspired by all the incredible Blogs I have looked at, they are amazing. I thought I would share my ideas, thoughts, designs and just whatever is on my mind any given day.


So, here we go....

Just a peak at our new home....

We moved into our new home last December and this is the first room I completed. (Well, is anything in design and decorating really ever finished!) I love a bedroom that envelopes you, it is a haven of peace and serenity. I look forward to climbing into my luxurious bed every night!
The wall color is Benjamin Moore's Quiet Moments.
The trim is Benjamin Moore's Cloud White.


I covered all the upholstered furniture in a little french fabric from JoAnn Fabrics, even the panels on the armoire. I'll post the name as soon as I find it.

I bought this wonderful desk/vanity at Ruffles and Rust in Snohomish. 

The bench is vintage French, I recovered it myself, saving the braided trim and reusing it
The bedspread is from Horchow

The print above the bed is from Faded Elegance, a fabulous shop on First Street in Snohomish.
The nightstands are from Pottery Barn, lamps from Restoration Hardware.

The drapes are a custom shade ordered from The Drape Palace, online.

This is a vintage piece from Italy, circa 1940's. I found it on Craigslist and it was only 20 miles away at Tuxedo Junction in Duvall. The chandelier is from Pottery barn.

Urns and porches and lights, oh my!

We are lucky enough to live on a farm with access to Fir, Holly, Cedar and Hemlock. 

 I really like to use natural materials, as well as seasonal produce for decorating. It just feels right!

I love to fill my pots with greens and holly at Christmas. They look so festive and add life to an urn that has seen better days!

Santa Claus is coming to town....

                My nieces, Erin and Savannah, did an amazing job bringing Christmas to Snohomish!

I love living in a small town. There is nothing else like it. You know the people who run the shops, the person who delivers your mail, you can get a coffee at your hometown bakery or coffeeshop and know 3/4 of the people there. The farmer's market is filled with local folks. This year my nieces were in charge of the Christmas Festivities for Snohomish and asked if we would lend our red Mercedes convertible to bring Santa to first street and the Tree Lighting. It was so much fun!

Oh Christmas Tree

One of our family's favorite traditions is Tree Day. The Friday after Thanksgiving we all go to our favorite tree farm, Reade's. We started many years ago and keep adding to our group. This year it was proceeded by a lovely brunch at our daughter and son-in-law's house. I hope all of you have special meaning attached to getting your tree each year!

Reade Christmas Tree Ranch: 7724 171st Ave. SE, Snohomish; 360-862-8778. Open 10 a.m. to dusk Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to dusk Saturdays and Sundays now until sold out. 15 percent discount on trees for seniors, Tuesdays through Fridays only. From U.S. 2 between Snohomish and Monroe, go east on Westwick Road for 2 miles, then go north on 171st Avenue SE for 1 mile. Follow signs, turn under Bonneville power lines. Noble, Douglas, grand and Nordmann firs, spruce. 

Some beautiful trees...