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

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

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

'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

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

1. Prep the Ti Leaf and place in glass vase
2. Cut the Hydrangea and place in glass vase
3. Cut Roses and arrange within Hydrangea
4. Cut Queen Ann's Lace and sparingly place in arrangement
5. 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

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

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