When Pigs Fly

Oh hello!

I was recently visiting my dear sister Jane.  In her apartment I noticed two ceramic pigs on the floor.  I found this interesting considering my sister is bit of a city girl. When I inquired, I discovered my sister has a new collection...pigs! 

On a visit to an antique mall Jane saw a cute little ceramic pig "squealing" her name! She fell in-love.  Jane thought that the pig looked happy and loved the pink little snout! However she hadn't decided if pigs were the way to go that day.    Over the next couple weeks Jane kept  thinking of the little piglet and her found memories of visiting our grandfather on the farm.  Jane has vivid memories of pigs when she was just a little girl;  she remembers all the good times on the farm and she can still hear my grandfather calling  to the pigs..."souie! souie!"

Well, my other sister Sheila decided to get some "brownie" points and surprised Jane with the pig! That was Jane's first little piggy in her collection.  Her second pig unfortunately didn't have a pink snout; so Sheila painted the snout with pink finger nail polish!  Well, this has now become the trend...the pigs must have a pink snout.  Jane looks and collects only happy pigs...she believes you can tell it the pig is happy by the way it stands and expresses itself.

Many folks collect items that remind them of their past.  Do you have a special collection that reflects your life story? If so send me some pics!

"Every girl should be two things: Classy & Fabulous" Coco Chanel.  
Words to live by according the Jane.

Good Day

--D. Charles

International Antiques Fair 2012

Oh Hello,

Being so old never looked so good!  I went to the 2012 International Antiques Fair at the Merchandise Mart http://www.merchandisemartantiques.com/spring/ in Chicago. It was amazing to see hundreds of booths full of antiques and vintage items from BC to the early 20th Century.  The merchandise spanned literately from around the globe...Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, etc.

There were a few featured designers that I found to be amazing.  Ramsey J Prince and Summer Thornton.  Their compositions were inspiring and beautiful! Amazing how one can use "old stuff" to make such striking rooms!

Please enjoy few of the pictures I took as I wondered around this years Antique Fair.

RJP Designs http://ramseyjayprincedesigns.com/

RJP Designs http://ramseyjayprincedesigns.com/

Summer Thornton Design www.summerthorntondesign.com

Summer Thornton Design www.summerthorntondesign.com

Brenner|Valdez |Antiques| Interiors

 

Toulouse Antique Gallery, Inc

Good Day
--D. Charles

DIY - Bookcases with a Pop!

Oh Hello!

I was recently needing some bookcases. I didn't want to spend very much money and while visiting Target I saw these bookcases...only $20 each!  For convenience and time I picked up a couple of them.  They are very basic 3 shelve bookcases that are more functional than design.  However I was just needing a basic bookcase for storage.

I decided they needed a little pop!  So I found some great wrapping paper and picked up some spray adhesive from a local store.  I took the back off and applied the paper.  I trimmed the edges and nail the backing back on.   

After a little de-cluttering and dusting I now have two great little bookcases with just a touch of design.  This is a very easy 20 min project.  Sometimes in design it is just the litle, simple things that a can make a world of difference.  Give it try on your bookcases and send me your pics!  anothur.decor@gmail.com

I really liked this design!

I took the backing off and applied a spray adhesive

I lined up the upper right corner as my reference point.

Viola!

Good Day!
--D. Charles

Anothur Decor Facebook...do you like me?

Oh hello!

Well I just started a Facebook page for Anothur Decor!  Over the next few days I will continue to build the page and begin posting.  Feel free to to friend me! And be sure and tell your friends about the new Facebook page and blog. I really want to help create a community of people who have an interest in home decor and to have an open forum to share, discuss and inspire.

Click the Facebook Badger to the Right!

Good Day!
--D. Charles

Nutty for Nutcrackers!

Oh Hello,

I recently visited a friend that has an amazing collection of nutcrackers!  All different sizes, characters and styles from around the world.  He has been collecting nutcrackers for many years and has a collection of 48 so far.  Below are some photos of some his most valuable nutcrackers! Many of them are the beautiful German handcrafted Steinbachs! http://www.steinbachnutcracker.com 

Every year when he purchases a new Steinbach he places the date on the bottom for reference. This collection is amazing!  Each nutcracker is in mint condition and is cared for with love.  I love how he incorporated the nutcrackers throughout his home;  especially the 6 foot nutcracker that meets you at the front door (This is his favorite.)

I believe that is a design factor as well.  If you have a collection of some sort, place the pieces throughout the home (within reason of course).  This gives people a glimpse of your passion and therefore creates a connection.

Thanks to my friend for sharing his passion and wonderful collection of nutcrackers!

Good day!
--D Charles

One of a Kind...My Fab 5!

Oh Hello!

There is nothing like finding that perfect gift or home decor piece. That is exactly what I found at the One of a Kind Show and Sale http://oneofakindshowchicago.com. This is the event's 11th year in Chicago and has more than 600 artisans from around the country selling their crafty goodies.  This was an amazing demonstration of  fine art, sculpture, jewelry, food and furniture.  With every turn I discovered beautiful and unique pieces... Feast your eyes on some goodies below.  

I encourage you to visit their websites...You will be inspired and impressed! Plus, you may purchase their goods for this upcoming Holiday Season!!!

The Elizabeth Element
Eco-Friendly Tree Stump Furniture & Decor
TheElizabethElement.etsy.com
Elizabeth brings function and art to stumps!

J. Diemer Artisanry
Handmade Bird Cages
http://www.handmadebirdcages.com
J. Diemer creates the most beautiful, jewelry quality birdcages I've ever seen!

Boutique Home, LLC
European Inspired Couture Bedding & Drapery
http://www.boutiquehomeonline.com
Shari and Alberto bring couture European style and pop to the home!

Sublime Rockers-Kevin DesPlanques
Wood Sculptor & Furniture Designer
http://sublimerockers.com
Kevin creates the most unique and smooth rocking chairs I have ever sat in!

Michael Szabo
Water Works
http://szaboworks.com
Michael creates incredible water work sculptures that are absolutely fascinating and elegant!

Good Day! ...Happy Holidays :-)
--D Charles

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!!

Kent Townsend 
Coffee Table, 
Macassar ebony, handmade silver pulls, bronze base

Kirk H. Slaughter 
Capote, 2010 
Bronze with patina Dims: 
26h x 22l x 8"d

Veronique Guerrieri
Baby on Finger, 
resin
59" high

Wendell Castle [American, b. 1932] 
Rainbow Fire Chair, 2011 
Peruvian Walnut with oil finish 
36.25 x 43.75 x 28"
photo: Andrew Bovasso

Bahram Shabahang 
Magma (Galaxy Series), 2010 
wool 
117 x 168"

Marvin Blackmore 
pottery 
14 x 11" 
photo: Paul Boyer

William Hunter 
Infinity's Allure, 2011 
primavera wood 
14" x 32" x 24" 
photo: Alan Shaffer

Duncan McClellan 
Vineyard, 2011 
blown glass, sandcarved, overlay 
22 x 22" 
photo: Randall Smith

Good Day!
--D Charles

HGTV Magazine Has Been Delivered

Oh hello!

Well....after much anticipation the first edition of HGTV Magazine has arrived!  Who isn't addicted to HGTV?! Now you can feed that addiction in print form! It's like having your favorite HGTV hosts sit down with you for a cup of tea and discuss design.  I love it! The magazine is colorful, well laid out and inspiring on every page.  It is packed full of designs, ideas, and commentary on home. The magazine is divided into six sections: Help Wanted, Fun Decorating, Real Estate Spy, Mission Makeover, Kitchen Chronicles and Weekending! Wow...I will be "devouring" every page!!

If you haven't already, you need to pick up a copy or subscribe!  I have a feeling this new magazine will do well.
https://subscribe.hearstmags.com/subscribe/splits/hgtvmagazine/hgtv_sub_nav

Good Day
--D Charles

A Dream Home and A Vintage Bazaar...what a weekend

Oh hello!

I am fully aware that tonight is Thursday; however I'm just now having the chance to sit down and blog for a minute.  Last weekend I had two really cool experiences here in Chicago.

My first adventure led me to the DreamHome exhibit at the Merchandise Mart.  First of all...the Merchandise Mart...whoa!  This is a designer's heaven!  They have some of the most exquisite showrooms and decor. http://www.merchandisemart.com   Anyway...they invited nine of Chicago's top designers to dream big and design specific rooms.  I was able to walk through the full exhibit and see some wonderful design up-close and personal.  Few things I noticed.

1. Scale--even though most of the rooms were small, many of designers went with large and bold decor  DRAMA!
2. Neutral palettes with splashes of color were used in almost every room.
3. Almost every wall had texture.

If you are visiting Chicago between now and December 9th, this has to be on your "To-Do" list.  If you are unable to visit Chicago during that time have a gander at the website.  There are great decor ideas and inspiration on every page!

http://www.merchandisemartdesigncenter.com/dreamhome/

Buckingham Interiors + Design

Frank Ponterio Interior Design

Michael Abrams Limited

Snaidero Chicago

I also attended a Vintage Bazaar!  What is a Vintage Bazaar?? Well it's a "pop-up flea market" obviously focusing on vintage clothes, furniture, nick-knacks and home decor. It was started by two lovely ladies, Katherine Raz and Libby Alexander. They also have a blog about vintage home decor, discussion and DIY projects.  This event was amazing!

They held the Bazaar in the old Congress Theater here in Chicago.  The theater itself is enough to blog about, with its ornate columns, sculpture and overwhelming ambiance. However, I was there for the vintage finds and the experience itself.  This event was a treasure chest of goodies! I saw everything from vintage dresses to vintage record players.  I love going to things like this because you find unique piece for your home decor...and it's like walking down memory lane for some folks (of course some have a longer "memory lane" to go down).

To read the blog or find out when and where the next Vintage Bazaar will be...visit their website.
http://www.thevintagebazaar.com/

Good Day
--D Charles