Anothur Decor: November 2011

Monday, November 28, 2011

One of a Kind...Sounds Interesting

Oh Hello!

So I keep hearing all the buzz about the One of a Kind Show and Sale at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago http://oneofakindshowchicago.com. I've been told I must go see this! Without much twisting of my arm i'm planning to go to the One of Kind show Saturday. I'll report back and let you know all about it!

Good day
--D Charles

Sunday, November 27, 2011

HGTV Christmas Decorating Ideas...Love it!

Oh Hello!

I was on HGTV's website http://www.hgtv.com/deck-the-halls/package/index.html and found a great resource of Holiday Decorating Ideas..no surprise there huh?! They have ideas for trees, mantels, gift wrapping and more. My favorite section is the Wreath Section. Below are a few of my favorite wreaths from the website.

Check it out and be inspired! Send me pictures of your creations!!

I love this! Look close...it's sheet music : )

This beautiful and natural wreath feels so organic and earthy.

Bling bling wreath!

Good Day

--D Charles

Monday, November 21, 2011

'Tis the Season to go see Macy's Windows

Oh Hello,

Well it's that time of the year again...shop til you drop and then get up and shop some more! Carrying all the bags, fighting the crowds and going in circles it's good to stop and escape for a moment. One of my favorite holiday escapes is walking on State Street in Downtown Chicago. Macy's http://www.visitmacyschicago.com (formally Marshall Fields) is continuing the 140 year old tradition of having a seasonal window displays! Despite the hustle and bustle of the street, live musicians playing their music and the crowds of people, you can get lost in these beautiful and magical vignettes. The color, design and puppetry convey stories of hope and tradition.

These window displays give me great ideas for creating my own little holiday vignettes at home; maybe on my mantel or in my entry way. I think an important thing to remember is that a vignette tells a story, or has a common thread. Are YOU going to create any holiday vignettes? If so email me the pics!

Good Day!
--D Charles

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

DIY Floral Centerpiece

Oh Hello,

I had a chance to visit my friends at my favorite florist, Marguerite Gardens (http://www.flowerpowerchicago.com or margueritegardens.blogspot.com) this past weekend. I asked to be shown the process of creating a simple, yet elegant centerpiece. And with the holiday's just around the corner, I thought I should take notes and share with you the 1,2,3s of making a simple, elegant and inexpensive centerpiece.

This arrangement is what they call "low and moundy." A low arrangement will allow you to keep the centerpiece on the table and still be able to have conversation without it blocking the other guests. Having this in mind, the arrangement is made to look round, like a mound; that way no matter what angle you look the arrangement you can enjoy it's full beauty.

So let's begin...

We used a a clear glass cube vase, one Ti Leaf, Hydrangea, three Roses and a little Queen Ann's Lace.

Overview of Steps

Prep the Ti Leaf and place in glass vase
Cut the Hydrangea and place in glass vase
Cut Roses and arrange within Hydrangea
Cut Queen Ann's Lace and sparingly place in arrangement
Enjoy!

We used a simple cube vase for our arrangement.

Step One

Prep and Place the Ti Leaf

Cut the stem and approximately 2-3 inches off.

Shave stem to same level as the leaf.

Gently massage the leaf.

Roll the leaf.

Gently place rolled leaf in vase and release.

Add water.

Step Two
Prep and place Hydrangea

Cut stem to appropriate length.

Place in the vase.

Step Three
Prep and Place the Roses

Place the vase to the edge of the table and cut the stem accordingly.

Place Roses within the Hydrangea, almost as if they were growing from the Hydrangea.

Step Four
Prep and Place Queen Ann's Lace

Cut and Prune the Queen Ann's Lace.

Place the Queen Ann's Lace around some of the edges as well as within the Hydrangea.
This will give it a full organic look. It will also add another layer of texture to the arrangement.

Tada!

Good Day

--D Charles

Monday, November 7, 2011

Michael Cheney...Chicago Art

Oh Hello and Happy Monday!

While taking a walk I came across some paintings by artist Michael Cheney displayed in the windows at Atlas Galleries (http://www.atlasgalleries.com) on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. They were vibrant oil paintings that I was insistently attracted to! Michael Cheney is a post modern artist with an amazing talent (http://www.mikecheney.com). I love his use of color and technique.

Following are a few of his Chicago paintings! Enjoy!

146 Inner Drive 51197
Oil on canvas
18" x 24"

Crowne Fountain At Millennium 50974
Oil on canvas
30"x15"

Millennium Impression 50007
Oil on canvas
48" x 24"

Quiet Evening By Second City 49855
Oil on canvas
35" x 24"

Swan Ride in Lincoln Park 40308
36” x 24”
Oil on Canvas

Art In Chicago 46674
24’’x30”
Oil on Canvas

Moon Over Cloud Gate 50876
Oil on canvas
16" x 20"

Good Day!
--D Charles

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Sculpture Objects & Functional Art..SOFA Chicago!

Oh hello!

Over the weekend I had a the pleasure of experiencing an art and design gathering of hundreds of artists, designers and dealers under one roof. After making the long trek down Navy Pier in Chicago I was suddenly surrounded by sculpture, paintings and furniture! How incredible! SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art http://www.sofaexpo.com) began in 1994 with 58 exhibitors. Since then it has grown into the highlight of the year for designers and art lovers. It has three shows in Chicago, New York and Santa Fe. The show is produced by the Art Fair Company and shares the floor with the Intuit of Folk & Outsider Art (http://www.outsiderfolkartfair.com/).

SOFA CHICAGO, the largest and longest continually-running art fair in Chicago, is a mainstay in its cultural and social calendar.

Adventuring through all the sculpture, paintings and abstract art I was inspired and it was an indulgence for my creative side! It was truly amazing. Can't wait until next year! I wasn't allowed to take pictures within the venue, however I found some great photo's of the art on SOFA's website. Enjoy!!