Designers and social media ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAQuB0ciIhhMo2TAZy9gxFCKmqGmFwiXtIFw4Be-wqH_j-iaeHkKThA4_WTFJOW7Z2N3Uw0Rd38Oplr5SefsywyKlEqoQkAdtKnKPp8t-FXvIrn0Yyjcs9zezaEnj7dnkIsoZajn7T2o9/s1600/Linda%2527sBuffetAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAQuB0ciIhhMo2TAZy9gxFCKmqGmFwiXtIFw4Be-wqH_j-iaeHkKThA4_WTFJOW7Z2N3Uw0Rd38Oplr5SefsywyKlEqoQkAdtKnKPp8t-FXvIrn0Yyjcs9zezaEnj7dnkIsoZajn7T2o9/s800/Linda%2527sBuffetAfter.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit: Yvonne Blacker</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">A couple weeks ago I stopped by a friend’s house (Linda Hentschel) to help set her set up a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003355170646&ref=ts">facebook page</a> for her interior design business (<a href="http://www.renaissanceinteriors.com/">Renaissance Interiors</a>). We were going to start with a blog, but figured facebook would be a good place to try out the whole “online sharing” experience.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">While we were sitting in her lovely dining room, the black painted sideboard above caught my eye. There was something vaguely familiar about it. I couldn’t put my finger on it but I knew I had seen it somewhere before.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Linda told me she had found this piece at a vintage store and had to have it, even though at the time of purchase it was your standard dated-looking wood finish sideboard. But she could tell it would be the perfect piece on which to set up a buffet station and to store large serving ware until needed for entertaining (which Linda does a lot!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Turns out, I had been following the transformation of this piece on facebook (and not on my friends page, because she wasn’t even on facebook at the time)! We both follow the work of <a href="http://newlightredesign.com/">Linda Holt</a>, a designer in Boxford (she had a decorated space in the <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-homes-tour.html">Boxford Holiday Homes Tour</a>). She is part of a new business called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chalk-It-Up/322450741099672">Chalk It Up</a> established with her friend, artist Susan Siefer (of <a href="http://www.madpatter.com/about">MadPatter ArtDesign</a>). The piece above was taken from ordinary (but with pretty lines) to one-of-a-kind fabulous with a special chalk-based paint plus hand applied wax finish. See the before – and during – photos below ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnONzH2ELFVRDtJ5slgCZg0A-o4CGdQ64JNnynJWkhjYk7gpTMq5oqKe5Mj2mnkT9BBSkXP_srR0OUtyWCPIhjICxIQhZs9DZoUUUrAbSkLthIJKBZ_ek3Hil0cHQIFlrX-WYYWKxz2sa/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.38.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnONzH2ELFVRDtJ5slgCZg0A-o4CGdQ64JNnynJWkhjYk7gpTMq5oqKe5Mj2mnkT9BBSkXP_srR0OUtyWCPIhjICxIQhZs9DZoUUUrAbSkLthIJKBZ_ek3Hil0cHQIFlrX-WYYWKxz2sa/s800/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.38.12+PM.png" width="520" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhWojflcenGipa8oXwq9W3_GJKs9lVxDxhKDBJL9VWqOT-FD0ZS1mT5VfdfePRHfMmSC014C0kW4iQd4ofPyCa8Dqn9msKRAAHu8ejABosMxTV2APNAhVitKcL_k_XhSas7L2-tp85A8f/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.40.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhWojflcenGipa8oXwq9W3_GJKs9lVxDxhKDBJL9VWqOT-FD0ZS1mT5VfdfePRHfMmSC014C0kW4iQd4ofPyCa8Dqn9msKRAAHu8ejABosMxTV2APNAhVitKcL_k_XhSas7L2-tp85A8f/s800/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.40.00+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3aWHfFJhCxXa1dSQE1YM1eczMyNnnoN42BNLgxnSS5_mF2m2iNAtNSYChVw4H4L0C_ALbBqI10oeMIqje3UMF8psUYwDpYCku29f8t5chUkZFsTdDs_AGHQ1nwci7mN8c3cA3W3BVGoM/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.37.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3aWHfFJhCxXa1dSQE1YM1eczMyNnnoN42BNLgxnSS5_mF2m2iNAtNSYChVw4H4L0C_ALbBqI10oeMIqje3UMF8psUYwDpYCku29f8t5chUkZFsTdDs_AGHQ1nwci7mN8c3cA3W3BVGoM/s800/Screen+shot+2012-02-01+at+6.37.33+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty cool, huh? On February 11th, Chalk It Up will be hosting a hands-on workshop in North Andover featuring how to use <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/copy_of_How_to_use_the_paint.html">Annie Sloan Chalk Paint</a>. Did I mention there is no stripping or priming needed??? Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chalk-It-Up/322450741099672">Chalk It Up on facebook</a> to get the details on this workshop and follow them to see more furniture transformations.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Congrats to Linda Holt and Susan Siefer on their new business, and also to Linda Hentschel for dipping her toe in the social media pool! You will be blogging in no time : )</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJc6vEXaZzpy4b-85SW_GA418MKpRlgDupW8IaSOMS3Yf9Wzs3wRCxp_JA-vMQoNnQgvo48YAuuGChoOUhi7l90Xs3_m__F6pPMRHQIJXpf8WU2XdGzVNauOc9-dzX7vpbqWyceNOhI3Np/s800/Linda%2527sPeacock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe you can start by sharing the story of how this peacock from <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/">New England Fine Living</a> ended up in your family room??? Or reminisce about our days working together at <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/09/stevens-estate-receives-design-update.html">The Stevens Estate</a> in North Andover? Or share with us some behind-the-scenes at the Steampunk room you are designing with the <a href="http://www.modvic.com/">ModVic</a> team at <a href="http://audioconcepts.com/">Audio Concepts</a>?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We always share a lot of laughs and designer secrets when we get together – I can’t wait to read your stories online (and please throw in a couple family recipes, too, while you are at it!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIDZB0cMMjwpBuAyN7QqG5c3rfwUwuCy8IncgNP-9w29iiOg0rlbwCA8lRf0SnMbRqSPlFciP-Tioq8tacK12kxMppOKHhGqV3x_NSrHQRSwTBOV2HHR2JcxYYKPkxA30_oe7d9TlopeZ/s1600/NFGlass_LHentschel_YBlacker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIDZB0cMMjwpBuAyN7QqG5c3rfwUwuCy8IncgNP-9w29iiOg0rlbwCA8lRf0SnMbRqSPlFciP-Tioq8tacK12kxMppOKHhGqV3x_NSrHQRSwTBOV2HHR2JcxYYKPkxA30_oe7d9TlopeZ/s800/NFGlass_LHentschel_YBlacker.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Nancy Faye Glass, Linda Hentschel and Yvonne Blacker</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Stevens Estate, North Andover, February 2011</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Designers and social media ...

Photo credit: Yvonne Blacker A couple weeks ago I stopped by a friend’s house (Linda Hentschel) to help set her set up a  facebook page  for...

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New England Finery: Issue One

<div><div style="width: 600px; text-align: left;"><div><object style="width: 420px; height: 274px;"><param name="movie" value="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fdark%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&documentId=110219081645-9e4b48affd9b40e29953938546b5ba7c&docName=nefinery-feb2011&username=NEfinery&loadingInfoText=New%20England%20Finery%20Feb%2FMar%202011&et=1298107790903&er=83"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="menu" value="false"><embed src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" menu="false" style="width: 420px; height: 274px;" flashvars="mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fdark%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true&documentId=110219081645-9e4b48affd9b40e29953938546b5ba7c&docName=nefinery-feb2011&username=NEfinery&loadingInfoText=New%20England%20Finery%20Feb%2FMar%202011&et=1298107790903&er=83"></embed></object><div style="width: 420px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://issuu.com/NEfinery/docs/nefinery-feb2011?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fdark%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true" target="_blank">Open publication</a> <a href="http://issuu.com/" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://issuu.com/search?q=photography" target="_blank"></a></div></div> <a href="http://issuu.com/search?q=photography" target="_blank"> </a></div></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Just in time for weekend browsing, the first issue of <span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Finery Magazine</span> is hot off the virtual press! While I still need to figure out some of the technical details associated with the online publishing platform, overall the process of putting this 75 page online magazine together was way more fun than it was work! Take a look and let us know what you think : )</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">PS Feel free to share New England Finery with others. There are a lot of great New England-based businesses (and bloggers) featured in this issue, and they each have a story to tell.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> We couldn’t have pulled this off without them!<br /></span>

New England Finery: Issue One

Open publication Just in time for weekend browsing, the first issue of New England Finery Magazine is hot off the virtual press! Wh...

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A new creative venture ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MAAmJW_S-ZSszNGWJfFJGbMUMV3mdIQLfyccIbLZqj5rDmLhnF-mfDeNjGnjNj9UO4Lpwc8AR5bH4mpBOe8xrSnIymemTF4woIJ-nJ-8WmqCq-3mxyBT3G47ZS10V-3PCmE_-LkrV-cn/s1600/nefinerysneakpeek2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562203090723709906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MAAmJW_S-ZSszNGWJfFJGbMUMV3mdIQLfyccIbLZqj5rDmLhnF-mfDeNjGnjNj9UO4Lpwc8AR5bH4mpBOe8xrSnIymemTF4woIJ-nJ-8WmqCq-3mxyBT3G47ZS10V-3PCmE_-LkrV-cn/s400/nefinerysneakpeek2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by Yvonne Blacker</span></span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/01/this-month-newenglandhome.html">In my last post</a>, I mentioned my love for picture books (or more specifically design magazines). I have always loved to read, and I remember when the books I read no longer had illustrations in them – it truly saddened me knowing that I could no longer turn the page and see a new picture to accompany the storyline. Even today, when I watch my son – who is just getting the hang of reading out loud – enthusiastically sneak a peek of the illustration on the next page just to see how the plot in the story is going to unfold, I am reminded of why a good picture is worth a thousand words. That is one of the reasons I love reading blogs. There are so many pretty pictures, plus there is usually an interesting story to follow as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Today I have a story for you ...<br /><br /></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UVkFGadIRus02s4kCpx0tA8os98k93qGsO7Y7MnaI7LL9iv3C2p4a9fjnQjN9CDiv_-8qj0OLyjypqDQpWWjMaQVTNMgxITqfoAz3Ppup6We7p4Ny1PYqJRq9xLt9yt0rvs9dJ2_FxPr/s1600/purseonchair.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562201835399664706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UVkFGadIRus02s4kCpx0tA8os98k93qGsO7Y7MnaI7LL9iv3C2p4a9fjnQjN9CDiv_-8qj0OLyjypqDQpWWjMaQVTNMgxITqfoAz3Ppup6We7p4Ny1PYqJRq9xLt9yt0rvs9dJ2_FxPr/s400/purseonchair.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by Yvonne Blacker</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />After setting up some of my design items at the lifestyle boutique <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/index.html">New England Fine Living</a>, I discovered that the owner, <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/aboutLinda_1.html">Linda Smith</a>, and I have a lot in common – we both love creative design and enjoy sharing our favorite sources with others (her website provides all types of design related content and, yes, lots of great pictures, too!) She has even produced print magazines in the past. I asked her if she would be interested in having a digital magazine that represents the items and vendors in her boutique, but would also provide a lot of great creative content about life in New England. She said “God, Yes!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyT2z7aS618cRWtD3fH8Ej8mDSkQ8On0tXm6tavzzipjC8-qX1g-kjQUygZuMzZ4Oq-pG85wjmN8B-rIaQhVaMlY8wVB4KUgVI_RcMEWz-BBodLckEqqNndpgeHtNnrky2EsBBJIHymct/s1600/elephant%253Abooks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562193455922589362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyT2z7aS618cRWtD3fH8Ej8mDSkQ8On0tXm6tavzzipjC8-qX1g-kjQUygZuMzZ4Oq-pG85wjmN8B-rIaQhVaMlY8wVB4KUgVI_RcMEWz-BBodLckEqqNndpgeHtNnrky2EsBBJIHymct/s400/elephant%253Abooks.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by Yvonne Blacker</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">With so many traditional shelter magazines out there closing up shop, I have discovered a lot of digital magazines are taking their place, and many are actually being produced by design bloggers (see <a href="http://www.ruemag.com/issues/issue-two/">Rue</a> and <a href="http://lonnymag.com/home">Lonny</a> for example). I figured now was a good time for me to give this new technology a try. I have been blogging about design for about two years now, and while I love decorating interiors, I still enjoy putting visuals together – <a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/">both on paper and online</a> – to promote the many creative businesses that I come across. The fact that Linda also loves to promote other businesses as much as she enjoys designing a room or putting together a great event, made me think that we really should combine our creative efforts ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyT2z7aS618cRWtD3fH8Ej8mDSkQ8On0tXm6tavzzipjC8-qX1g-kjQUygZuMzZ4Oq-pG85wjmN8B-rIaQhVaMlY8wVB4KUgVI_RcMEWz-BBodLckEqqNndpgeHtNnrky2EsBBJIHymct/s1600/elephant%253Abooks.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yZhxfG-pha3S7v2nUvZNg4Mk08-a67iPFHEnPEY4PDnqsPDEd7ojulGrybP3AjgHXr6Y22WGzMlV48Eg6BWkqKnusly4EVgfXLVMNRJnXqK5bVeTiVaNObjpOVT6vWZzuoUi3ISotAhd/s1600/NE+Finery+Magazine_Premiere.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562206174058057650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yZhxfG-pha3S7v2nUvZNg4Mk08-a67iPFHEnPEY4PDnqsPDEd7ojulGrybP3AjgHXr6Y22WGzMlV48Eg6BWkqKnusly4EVgfXLVMNRJnXqK5bVeTiVaNObjpOVT6vWZzuoUi3ISotAhd/s400/NE+Finery+Magazine_Premiere.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />So today, I am happy to announce that the first issue of <span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Finery Magazine</span> will premiere next month! We have already shot our cover on location with <a href="http://www.elizabethwertzphotography.com/">a professional photographer</a>, and feature stories are in the works.<br /><br />As co-founders, Linda and I are hoping to showcase all that is wonderful about New England ... places to visit, stylish events, local fashion designers, great interiors, and fine products created in or inspired by the historic charm and Yankee ingenuity of New England. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I am so excited to be working on this new creative project, and I know that it will be a great way to help other businesses to increase their exposure online.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">If you have a business or product that is unique to New England and would like to advertise, <a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/contactus.html">contact us directly</a>. Or if </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> there is a New England-based story that you could imagine would be a great addition to the pages of this new online magazine, just let us know! </span><span style="font-size:130%;">We hope to share a little bit of the best of New England with each issue : )</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">P.S. The photos on this post are just a sneak peek of what will be included in the first issue! Stay tuned, there’s more to come ...</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yZhxfG-pha3S7v2nUvZNg4Mk08-a67iPFHEnPEY4PDnqsPDEd7ojulGrybP3AjgHXr6Y22WGzMlV48Eg6BWkqKnusly4EVgfXLVMNRJnXqK5bVeTiVaNObjpOVT6vWZzuoUi3ISotAhd/s1600/NE+Finery+Magazine_Premiere.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/contactus.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562456410870883346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphZCGJOv2-4iDyF48U_7LT91gqg3hKE4oHo6WOA4os1MyFgpPfbqDDrLuyl6X3prVxZx1rHhtDG_XDjPmop_1FIbVlnR_TFIC5Gw7URizLd51TL1tD4a4axj7E8U_tPPJ-meuTq13OMnD/s320/fine_living_muse.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 319px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">For advertising rates and information, e-mail<br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.newenglandfineliving.com/contactus.html">Linda@NewEnglandFineLiving.com</a></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span> </div>

A new creative venture ...

Photo by Yvonne Blacker In my last post , I mentioned my love for picture books (or more specifically design magazines). I have always loved...

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An evening in the garden ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4SffKIzjnVryxhydifhj0rC6WV9R06v56OMxL5FvVKXHupm-ZrpT2KltBrSP-0kvzDD-bzHZ2eMhoDq2vYVBK-30rkrB4ZMjDaWGY1EhYaWpKDKJkaxYC11IG04nzzZra1jBbKk2rdc/s1600/containergardenTD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486009421152133282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4SffKIzjnVryxhydifhj0rC6WV9R06v56OMxL5FvVKXHupm-ZrpT2KltBrSP-0kvzDD-bzHZ2eMhoDq2vYVBK-30rkrB4ZMjDaWGY1EhYaWpKDKJkaxYC11IG04nzzZra1jBbKk2rdc/s400/containergardenTD.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A bold container garden by Tracy Drislane</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Last week the Village Garden Club of Lynnfield held its year-end dinner event at the home of Tracy and Chris Drislane. Tracy, who is a garden club member, and Chris, who is a professional landscape designer and certified horticulturist {<a href="http://designscapesland.com/index.html">DesignScapes, Inc.</a>} have a beautiful property that I have always admired for its rustic charm, great use of scale and creative touches. Here are some images taken during the<br />garden stroll portion of our evening ...<br /><br /></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrA_vKqfLfHVDa-YjQMwcmKnBBFqgwk0w_jUi5cKLQWzJYdU8-_rdFlvtgOtB0QLpB2TFbpZQLCOFlvpNw3sARRsTtq9A7vXBShDSiF9IuWDEH2F9TxJ8R-r6l6-2EXmHspfzb0C08Yk/s1600/hosta_alleyTD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486009301606532898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrA_vKqfLfHVDa-YjQMwcmKnBBFqgwk0w_jUi5cKLQWzJYdU8-_rdFlvtgOtB0QLpB2TFbpZQLCOFlvpNw3sARRsTtq9A7vXBShDSiF9IuWDEH2F9TxJ8R-r6l6-2EXmHspfzb0C08Yk/s400/hosta_alleyTD.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YF_vhbjVBDlj-L0bWzxBYX8pT3mP-6u3C6jaYiOIngUCzXi4nt8UN8BOXI2m6uheRmFgloRu3amL6dJfovoe3pq_KQLQAesVYPMFmhlaN0-91TpRW52OdCyz9E_YuVfvo2HYJMdVFgo/s1600/hummuscrackersVGC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A variety of large leaf hosta plants fill the gravel<br />covered alley between the barn and the house.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIodxjCgbSKen0Ms4QO-Eyq0_4sFjDOAi2vKFoJ5nno4DQk_FjJ21aI1RNEzQnDSkZ0NRCRL-ZY79VRtWqrVWPDPIJt8DPvgbBM_9wa_sd1BhiAfDggGNT0p_nMBAIbXa6iOaltPfYyc/s1600/hurricanehostaTD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486009291234206898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIodxjCgbSKen0Ms4QO-Eyq0_4sFjDOAi2vKFoJ5nno4DQk_FjJ21aI1RNEzQnDSkZ0NRCRL-ZY79VRtWqrVWPDPIJt8DPvgbBM_9wa_sd1BhiAfDggGNT0p_nMBAIbXa6iOaltPfYyc/s400/hurricanehostaTD.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A hurricane lamp decorated with hosta and coleus leaves still stands tall even after the skies opened up and rained during the early part of the evening.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNXjJ2sDk-7LECefS04g3hZTSzUkL25Zhr-c39jGCEXmDwRC06NzGCLBuZ57Bqgkz5gdYsH5qxn-aIGV3tb0gwGIcViuJLVMzGsuoATuOADLkzNVqw-SFsYF_0u8RPKFqlMW6T9fRrgo/s1600/fireplaceCD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486009307578343570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNXjJ2sDk-7LECefS04g3hZTSzUkL25Zhr-c39jGCEXmDwRC06NzGCLBuZ57Bqgkz5gdYsH5qxn-aIGV3tb0gwGIcViuJLVMzGsuoATuOADLkzNVqw-SFsYF_0u8RPKFqlMW6T9fRrgo/s400/fireplaceCD.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11zzgUpGJ8yVM6X78SZythsm6C2W1PdrRIxfJYgDAObWd_j_ILI87DO7lhkkIwDLiRKf9uVdE7kCgthfoi5AGBDolE7a16CZhBQ4Z-kY9J6csQDdn4tq9Ail0pMeYBas2yjYRa1UzlkM/s1600/shrimpVGC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">S’mores were on the menu, but we had our<br />desserts inside. Isn’t this fireplace amazing???<br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9OcaEBmQ8vo8e-Humm9E2LPLFDJu4AbjMA5wSnBmPVV6xizmfApY27LMVj8itPooZz-hBnY_ATYEaByJ9zWhP4kgE9KFvPya7r9X5v5DlRyQrrAwB69c9EM43zR2ejPQippvV6OO-e0/s1600/stoneplanterTD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpqgDetFZbKEOjdEu7chVwj5-zkuCOqzmd_P87bIUxu6zTxRSpclqbp0EwkvVWHxI1N159WiiCX2Oa68ezXdZYcSEbHOqG1a2FNAEuJ4rtP9cW3nldFEuG0WEF2TzxUl4zUCp2a9sT2g/s1600/succulentinglassTD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486009019200514002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpqgDetFZbKEOjdEu7chVwj5-zkuCOqzmd_P87bIUxu6zTxRSpclqbp0EwkvVWHxI1N159WiiCX2Oa68ezXdZYcSEbHOqG1a2FNAEuJ4rtP9cW3nldFEuG0WEF2TzxUl4zUCp2a9sT2g/s400/succulentinglassTD.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I love how Tracy filled a number of wine glasses with moss and succulent blossoms and then accompanied them with candles in bell jars as table centerpieces.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyU_gYE22ql9ZFWGmp0VYXwygvxeQqp0Fwdv4zN3DXLP7QePbvRUCEmicNRUSNeoNyT4UeVWxA-C26de0uCNyerAeSDQtvb7PmZthBGnbduUs4vDmifeHQwRhUP54IUEsvJ42pa95-io/s1600/tomatoesw-grassesTD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486009004490755298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyU_gYE22ql9ZFWGmp0VYXwygvxeQqp0Fwdv4zN3DXLP7QePbvRUCEmicNRUSNeoNyT4UeVWxA-C26de0uCNyerAeSDQtvb7PmZthBGnbduUs4vDmifeHQwRhUP54IUEsvJ42pa95-io/s400/tomatoesw-grassesTD.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Even the tomato plants looked great when<br />partnered with tall landscape grasses<br />standing like a living screen behind them.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11zzgUpGJ8yVM6X78SZythsm6C2W1PdrRIxfJYgDAObWd_j_ILI87DO7lhkkIwDLiRKf9uVdE7kCgthfoi5AGBDolE7a16CZhBQ4Z-kY9J6csQDdn4tq9Ail0pMeYBas2yjYRa1UzlkM/s1600/shrimpVGC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486009284463990690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11zzgUpGJ8yVM6X78SZythsm6C2W1PdrRIxfJYgDAObWd_j_ILI87DO7lhkkIwDLiRKf9uVdE7kCgthfoi5AGBDolE7a16CZhBQ4Z-kY9J6csQDdn4tq9Ail0pMeYBas2yjYRa1UzlkM/s400/shrimpVGC.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YF_vhbjVBDlj-L0bWzxBYX8pT3mP-6u3C6jaYiOIngUCzXi4nt8UN8BOXI2m6uheRmFgloRu3amL6dJfovoe3pq_KQLQAesVYPMFmhlaN0-91TpRW52OdCyz9E_YuVfvo2HYJMdVFgo/s1600/hummuscrackersVGC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">It would not be a Village Garden Club party without a beautifully presented and equally delicious menu (courtesy of President Bootie Stevens, Tracy Drislane and other club member contributions).<br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjTwWTu6kan7YizpQ1zYW73keVT03etw_1aa3HpMD0AI3zBWC66fFYcqC40oNeAHgmORum57mIf-Uar3kqkck1oiaRrK-5OVRYP_dTxOpNl0von4_q43UeVkQANm9D9wBFarkKS9GT5s/s1600/veggiesVGC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486008995141726114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjTwWTu6kan7YizpQ1zYW73keVT03etw_1aa3HpMD0AI3zBWC66fFYcqC40oNeAHgmORum57mIf-Uar3kqkck1oiaRrK-5OVRYP_dTxOpNl0von4_q43UeVkQANm9D9wBFarkKS9GT5s/s400/veggiesVGC.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11zzgUpGJ8yVM6X78SZythsm6C2W1PdrRIxfJYgDAObWd_j_ILI87DO7lhkkIwDLiRKf9uVdE7kCgthfoi5AGBDolE7a16CZhBQ4Z-kY9J6csQDdn4tq9Ail0pMeYBas2yjYRa1UzlkM/s1600/shrimpVGC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YF_vhbjVBDlj-L0bWzxBYX8pT3mP-6u3C6jaYiOIngUCzXi4nt8UN8BOXI2m6uheRmFgloRu3amL6dJfovoe3pq_KQLQAesVYPMFmhlaN0-91TpRW52OdCyz9E_YuVfvo2HYJMdVFgo/s1600/hummuscrackersVGC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486009296908904482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YF_vhbjVBDlj-L0bWzxBYX8pT3mP-6u3C6jaYiOIngUCzXi4nt8UN8BOXI2m6uheRmFgloRu3amL6dJfovoe3pq_KQLQAesVYPMFmhlaN0-91TpRW52OdCyz9E_YuVfvo2HYJMdVFgo/s400/hummuscrackersVGC.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Fresh rosemary is a pretty and fragrant<br />accent when added to a dish of hummus<br />or in a container garden like below.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9OcaEBmQ8vo8e-Humm9E2LPLFDJu4AbjMA5wSnBmPVV6xizmfApY27LMVj8itPooZz-hBnY_ATYEaByJ9zWhP4kgE9KFvPya7r9X5v5DlRyQrrAwB69c9EM43zR2ejPQippvV6OO-e0/s1600/stoneplanterTD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486009029375911266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9OcaEBmQ8vo8e-Humm9E2LPLFDJu4AbjMA5wSnBmPVV6xizmfApY27LMVj8itPooZz-hBnY_ATYEaByJ9zWhP4kgE9KFvPya7r9X5v5DlRyQrrAwB69c9EM43zR2ejPQippvV6OO-e0/s400/stoneplanterTD.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXN69boBVJlbQ0GZHfvYbNQ_M74fhrmVhbQt6BbcAHyMVd0EeqNeHtT-Yfp6FYLcAOxQF4sC_GjW2iF8KE409adjuCJoB7Qn1ShIMNKuPvi1EH8U-VZ8oHa-TQkBR-slFND-yMYJuugJI/s1600/yvonnelauraVGC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SlCC8YBvCIUIiR4dg5dWspeabor5zrHKotR51Bm-KLiKJ_Ft_Ttoaqx3ON3O-Yv87hR20ukai9G8z0C3B1D_CSsgEHdPR2CSM8fbEygS_lKo_zwK3fdQYT-ixdRD7W-DOWAt1fwsftc/s1600/yvonnelauraVGC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486012049223805778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SlCC8YBvCIUIiR4dg5dWspeabor5zrHKotR51Bm-KLiKJ_Ft_Ttoaqx3ON3O-Yv87hR20ukai9G8z0C3B1D_CSsgEHdPR2CSM8fbEygS_lKo_zwK3fdQYT-ixdRD7W-DOWAt1fwsftc/s320/yvonnelauraVGC.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">With garden club member and friend, Laura Thomson</span> </span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A lot of members commented on the gray floral pin I wore attached to a string of pearls. It is by <span style="font-weight: bold;">stella & dot</span> and is available by <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/sites/brendacataldo/productcatalog?page=productlisting.category&categoryId=1003">clicking here</a> (type in my name as the hostess to order one for yourself, or any of the other lovely <span style="font-weight: bold;">stella & dot</span> jewelry items).<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBT7DgR1FslyUlmJR5KzX39x6RV3zErtSaZ9t4PGuWdAurj68K6Nx6jRJBlzydAu7NSnRltbERGtG-5v-Z9q6vz7DZ5nwvaQxhgjtTfYbVG6_hu7VTDH8xKR6JcOO32EUrEM6zOfdSvaM/s1600/rockgardenYB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486104542236651634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBT7DgR1FslyUlmJR5KzX39x6RV3zErtSaZ9t4PGuWdAurj68K6Nx6jRJBlzydAu7NSnRltbERGtG-5v-Z9q6vz7DZ5nwvaQxhgjtTfYbVG6_hu7VTDH8xKR6JcOO32EUrEM6zOfdSvaM/s400/rockgardenYB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">My rock garden this morning</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItZ9FxMkrOuhKMGAoEvX7wpcwUUsAKf_0gqmZQKiOB8NLDCeFFaRQNisaYiz4TkvXDWedxzzMpcuYYHH0JanIH11RNUdz2OmFh722f5MAHtqzKKt-KesIOMjtl1K-iEFSn4b4Sed9e0c/s1600/gardenpathCDBS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486104409573677810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItZ9FxMkrOuhKMGAoEvX7wpcwUUsAKf_0gqmZQKiOB8NLDCeFFaRQNisaYiz4TkvXDWedxzzMpcuYYHH0JanIH11RNUdz2OmFh722f5MAHtqzKKt-KesIOMjtl1K-iEFSn4b4Sed9e0c/s400/gardenpathCDBS.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A garden path by <a href="http://designscapesland.com/creative_plantings.html">DesignScapes, Inc.</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />for Club President Bootie Stevens</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This week I will be focusing on cleaning up my own gardens now that I have been completely inspired by the combined effort of the Drislane’s, plus a year of attending garden club lectures and events. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Village Garden Club of Lynnfield (and live in this area ; ) please contact me by email at yblacker@verizon.net.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnVjV05GYB0tZkN1nGWNK6FcNOIiShPhoH0yY7ERmmeunZysRMUFm9O3f-RZxI7MPFWS2kaLMUN67UxSelQNf6uHkwdDzq5fpvpZyRuPcuU55_MExQWPhHJVVbgQjL6H3hjGSISS4Hpw/s1600/purpleflowerinbottle.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFfRgL6IjHj23oVWrsQXxCekbRCxuPouwnZKglnqyxEz8pbhdlhTLaQM_ARNbK8-E4xVK6i5iFj_f2ufdn53XiTN7Ns2NASlAWQMowjivQ8ocEGvSx6pSeozblm01hsYA7a5zepqf-A0/s1600/purpleflowerinbottle.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486107793365278466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFfRgL6IjHj23oVWrsQXxCekbRCxuPouwnZKglnqyxEz8pbhdlhTLaQM_ARNbK8-E4xVK6i5iFj_f2ufdn53XiTN7Ns2NASlAWQMowjivQ8ocEGvSx6pSeozblm01hsYA7a5zepqf-A0/s400/purpleflowerinbottle.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Annual dues are just $25 per person which entitles each member to discounts at local nurseries, free admission to monthly events (we meet from September to June) and lots of information-sharing from the dedicated garden enthusiasts that make up the group. We always have a lot of fun at our monthly Monday night meetings, and have done a lot of community service gardening for the town of<br />Lynnfield as well. To see some mentions of events from this past year, visit the following links:<br /><br /><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/04/design-tips-from-ford-flowers.html">Arranging dramatic centerpieces </a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">with Bert Ford<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/03/art-is-blooming.html">Art in Bloom</a> at the Lynnfield Library<br /><br /><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/12/decking-halls-part-1.html">Holiday party decorating:</a> Laura Thomson<br /><br /><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/06/style-at-stevens-estate.html">Field trip</a> to The Stevens Estate, No. Andover<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/09/favorite-flower-for-autumn-joy.html">Kim Smith</a> and autumn gardening<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnVjV05GYB0tZkN1nGWNK6FcNOIiShPhoH0yY7ERmmeunZysRMUFm9O3f-RZxI7MPFWS2kaLMUN67UxSelQNf6uHkwdDzq5fpvpZyRuPcuU55_MExQWPhHJVVbgQjL6H3hjGSISS4Hpw/s1600/purpleflowerinbottle.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5p41Rpphu5ZNX6uRsnTOHX00DY5rsIXoxpIMsI6Lg1geP2NvDh9hHR9c6OH2J6MIdBO8NWHbmN_aPb7bL_LX_ZfB0D41-CEKPEqgB4W_xK83aJEtFskLxEsDOisCusk_QRrMVN-kCano/s1600/wickerchairsTD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486104399678975026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5p41Rpphu5ZNX6uRsnTOHX00DY5rsIXoxpIMsI6Lg1geP2NvDh9hHR9c6OH2J6MIdBO8NWHbmN_aPb7bL_LX_ZfB0D41-CEKPEqgB4W_xK83aJEtFskLxEsDOisCusk_QRrMVN-kCano/s400/wickerchairsTD.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 310px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Thank you for opening your<br />home to us, Tracy and Chris!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5p41Rpphu5ZNX6uRsnTOHX00DY5rsIXoxpIMsI6Lg1geP2NvDh9hHR9c6OH2J6MIdBO8NWHbmN_aPb7bL_LX_ZfB0D41-CEKPEqgB4W_xK83aJEtFskLxEsDOisCusk_QRrMVN-kCano/s1600/wickerchairsTD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div>

An evening in the garden ...

A bold container garden by Tracy Drislane Last week the Village Garden Club of Lynnfield held its year-end dinner event at the home of Tracy...

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Valentine's Day at the Stevens Estate

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQCQ20rK6z8eS1jFJChi7wwdBBl1bUxBKpZt_df6I1BDN-KlOGqGT-1fVUBoHgpbI0JDgFaPFKnVe-s_fhEf50EoYVRAjGy4_1huFo5YnXRE6blC3FY5KYKTs3_oFAtRSHEV1y4JICUc/s1600-h/tableandchairVD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437740186011455874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQCQ20rK6z8eS1jFJChi7wwdBBl1bUxBKpZt_df6I1BDN-KlOGqGT-1fVUBoHgpbI0JDgFaPFKnVe-s_fhEf50EoYVRAjGy4_1huFo5YnXRE6blC3FY5KYKTs3_oFAtRSHEV1y4JICUc/s400/tableandchairVD.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Valentine’s Day gift to the Estate:</span><br />Newly designed side chairs with estate monogram<br />and a reversible coordinating table cloth.<br />(<a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/12/gift-for-stevens-estate.html">check out the before shot here</a>)<br /><a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/acorninteriors">Acorn Interiors</a>: upholstery and table cloth<br /><a href="http://www.threadscouture.com/Home_Page.php">Threads Couture</a>: embroidery<br /><a href="http://www.taggartstudio.com/">TaggArt Studio</a>: painting<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Last night I enjoyed a special Valentine’s Day reception at <a href="http://www.stevensestate.com/about.html">The Stevens Estate</a> in North Andover (thanks for the invite goes to the lovely estate manager, Laura Gifford). There was a delicious meal catered by <a href="http://adaytorememberllc1.com/default.html">A Day to Remember</a> (I wish I had taken some pictures of the elegant presentation of the food, but check out their website for some mouth-watering visuals ... yum!) and a local band, Music Street, played some jamming tunes. As one of the decorators at the estate, I decided to celebrate the evening by offering a special prize to one lucky guest ...</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGc0JNtKVNsXKUmriV1tiC94-9DAQFoiSYiHqpp6ljWexWN7iEqk0H8yYDOm9pMaekD5HDUuNZGzKX-ZibG6A2gVK28A7rpse-tpjbtMhwj8Pl_6qNtJyTKKvbH3SmVUPKD16iXqw00Jc/s1600-h/shoeontableVD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437740192920338418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGc0JNtKVNsXKUmriV1tiC94-9DAQFoiSYiHqpp6ljWexWN7iEqk0H8yYDOm9pMaekD5HDUuNZGzKX-ZibG6A2gVK28A7rpse-tpjbtMhwj8Pl_6qNtJyTKKvbH3SmVUPKD16iXqw00Jc/s400/shoeontableVD.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Many guests dropped their business card or a complimentary raffle ticket into this glass hurricane with the hopes of winning a chic and delicious <a href="https://thechocolatetruffle.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=56&zenid=e661ccdc80176e06d4c58484f5b1a91a">Chocolate High Heel Shoe</a> (filled with chocolate truffles!) that I picked up at <a href="http://thechocolatetruffle.com/">The Chocolate Truffle</a> in Lynnfield (other Massachusetts locations include Reading and Winchester).</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thechocolatetruffle.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=56&zenid=e661ccdc80176e06d4c58484f5b1a91a" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437741364116992130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvk9HAoaQc1AjXQL0PQ2bXGon5-vXkeWauqQvFYFA89xUwGcpvIl9OTQBPW_PXovGDWxyf4mMAuvjJhwJoBDLJWvy-joH7COZH3jeD2HwIW-NjUxC1esAxcIGibJipB4215PRzgOpCSj8/s400/highheelshoeCT.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><br />And the winner is ...</span><br />R. Smedile!</span><br /><br />*I will give you a call to arrange pick-up*<br /><br /><a href="http://thechocolatetruffle.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437745555182684274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsWlfPO6BAHILy0EgJiPixu4kiX-mQWq4X8rm3FC01WiMxFu80b5H83JnFqOvYB1YECJVkYIJABl-Ow4YNj1p8hNUsbe6acU_bRTjdgcWGNIhnVy7-uDkaaGX_UlXnILhj84dqR1pHn8/s200/trufflebox.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 200px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">For those of you who did not win, pick up a shoe of your own (or a pair!) at <a href="http://thechocolatetruffle.com/directions.html">The Chocolate Truffle</a>. They have lots of <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/04/chocolate-fantasy.html">great goodies</a> for the Valentine in your life or when you are in need of a chocolate fix. Tell them you read about them here : )<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/02/bloggers-valentine-giveaway.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437748848864885762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbuhLypEnGyr2Ll9rMGfrqgYLAkT19C9Jx9c3bFX_aFtW71a9GTxHI8ApdhvEPIPiCZe6Bgjr5kuVJeLe4_S2JUNyl3122BE7MKt8iu-N5XW3hDvPPlSWtHqw9nneHBJZp941xSv5fo8/s320/tworosepillows.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />For another chance to win a special prize, there is still time to enter my <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/02/bloggers-valentine-giveaway.html">Valentine’s Day Giveaway</a>. The contest ends February 14th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be announced on February 15th. Good luck!</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAN0hEIxTXHmrXRErbmUykNQbQYW_uPFln8gyaMUX8egmJMuKwU80lFWQcLtygcWW4v5EQiEKClxajPZdQGI7RtQVFitxsLeKUIOyMXYNnK6vjdJ1d5o-7ShZrM5vSGC86FCe-ZzA_VZ8/s1600-h/whiteroseswithpicture.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437772171122107330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAN0hEIxTXHmrXRErbmUykNQbQYW_uPFln8gyaMUX8egmJMuKwU80lFWQcLtygcWW4v5EQiEKClxajPZdQGI7RtQVFitxsLeKUIOyMXYNnK6vjdJ1d5o-7ShZrM5vSGC86FCe-ZzA_VZ8/s400/whiteroseswithpicture.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" /></a><span>– Me with my Valentine </span>–<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Today’s post sponsored by ...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bethhylan.com/Home_Page.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437740206218278706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8guHgp-13YGpkBgVVszLof5Y6Smqfvk0fZDpMGS5RFNsrqdBSWVGHrzDyeT_gQ_4rOwTI8STV6FFt1Ow_0q-7eQ8ADrphEcxwGQ-mGaMH_aZ_pEH12Ce1BOHoNQapLMckoHWmsVcRmA/s400/BHDS+cupid+banner+2.10.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px;" /></a>Beth Hylan Design Studio<br /><a href="http://www.bethhylan.com/Guest_Designers.html">“Love Letters” Trunk Show 2.13.10</a><br /></div>

Valentine's Day at the Stevens Estate

My Valentine’s Day gift to the Estate: Newly designed side chairs with estate monogram and a reversible coordinating table cloth. ( check ou...

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A gift for The Stevens Estate

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl3b2frE3KGfD8SvkdmW1ppeNjj-SehfHd-zZwBscclWueFfRdwZbx_WNi0E8BbUt16Uygj6Ec_IFb4ijForeDuagiqSpVkvYDD6dAm_SkgkubeOuZETkneT15ZDwuuJoFrkr0Bpbz_o/s1600-h/inglenookdrapes2sm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420001951088757042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl3b2frE3KGfD8SvkdmW1ppeNjj-SehfHd-zZwBscclWueFfRdwZbx_WNi0E8BbUt16Uygj6Ec_IFb4ijForeDuagiqSpVkvYDD6dAm_SkgkubeOuZETkneT15ZDwuuJoFrkr0Bpbz_o/s400/inglenookdrapes2sm.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Stevens Estate design update:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />new window treatments</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I am sure you have heard – or maybe even spoken – the words “listen to your mother!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Well, one day while we were talking on the phone, my mom casually mentioned that my aunt had several boxes of drapery panels and sheers that she had put in storage after a recent move, “I think they would look nice at <a href="http://www.stevensestate.com/index.html">The Stevens Estate</a>. Why don’t you give Auntie Marty a call?</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> I am always happy when my mom tells me that she has read something on my blog (or if anyone tells me they have been reading for that matter!) so when she offers me advice on design projects I always listen. And in this case, especially, I am so glad that I did!<br /><br />My aunt generously donated the beautiful draperies and sheers (thank you!) seen in the photo above, which were a perfect match to the <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/09/stevens-estate-receives-design-update.html">work we had recently done</a> for the Estate. A special thank you also goes to Paula Bakies of <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/acorninteriors">Acorn Interiors</a> for professionally re</span><span style="font-size:130%;">-sizing them, along with providing expert installation.<br /></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPROzVsDiOXit9F8xtCTkimFx8A_FTvHOsIQC_pdIkkJAJH76Tb8ZFDNlWXhH6SFVmOaW0ZhjI2qobveW3R2KxJriOqR8z31ELkqkLsNPb7TWb22a2ApJWSF3v7q8zASvPXGjDD3ogvM4/s1600-h/benchcushionb4SE.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420016596805070386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPROzVsDiOXit9F8xtCTkimFx8A_FTvHOsIQC_pdIkkJAJH76Tb8ZFDNlWXhH6SFVmOaW0ZhjI2qobveW3R2KxJriOqR8z31ELkqkLsNPb7TWb22a2ApJWSF3v7q8zASvPXGjDD3ogvM4/s400/benchcushionb4SE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Here is a visual reminder of the Stevens Estate inglenook <span style="font-weight: bold;">before</span> we began redecorating. Under the new direction of Estate manager Laura Gifford, the redecorating has begun to reflect the historic elegance of this stately North Andover mansion that may be rented for small, intimate parties or large gatherings including weddings, conferences and fundraisers.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBMHGoAkMmCczOOvGSfhrpEYtEECpdfHgghvT_2DLBaJpFXU2cOdrhBgnYf9B2OAA9z1OWTCviiW9BzaPewGQWp9eFx17KoRcmRIgXKM9PYrFf91LDPAKLo5jFtvtJEPNQHlPqnGF6Ag/s1600-h/SEwindowB4dark.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420021588595066610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBMHGoAkMmCczOOvGSfhrpEYtEECpdfHgghvT_2DLBaJpFXU2cOdrhBgnYf9B2OAA9z1OWTCviiW9BzaPewGQWp9eFx17KoRcmRIgXKM9PYrFf91LDPAKLo5jFtvtJEPNQHlPqnGF6Ag/s400/SEwindowB4dark.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BEFORE: </span> The view to the grounds<br />was blocked with ill-fitting sheers.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdot-JB_tv7z-WeFJc-P75oLkldgTaeT4xJaoT0FY-jNz4DJSxqqRbZk-VXgA_RqDJD-ATx0FNW-LoeWsiyitkxwpd1qxvVkKK9h-n8VRiOFdv78OiK7m6XqTe3vopTh5rtUJTUcw7RAA/s1600-h/inglenookwindowsm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420041039458231346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdot-JB_tv7z-WeFJc-P75oLkldgTaeT4xJaoT0FY-jNz4DJSxqqRbZk-VXgA_RqDJD-ATx0FNW-LoeWsiyitkxwpd1qxvVkKK9h-n8VRiOFdv78OiK7m6XqTe3vopTh5rtUJTUcw7RAA/s400/inglenookwindowsm.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">AFTER:</span> Properly dressed, the inglenook – which<br />is at the front entrance of the Estate – now<br />provides visitors with an appropriate welcome.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3HdH6JpxEaD4AI2xOt-AUjDXWNkPy7J8hEm5OE5Df5hXqG5dQineioOojtIcmWlPDyx-1J0uuTICbGXunTjSnfc_H-OBGD6tnUAfB6Wz1CsFwYIGUNjWeapnr09wDh-Mg-kM22LnXbQ/s1600-h/bookcasewithartsm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420001927686147010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3HdH6JpxEaD4AI2xOt-AUjDXWNkPy7J8hEm5OE5Df5hXqG5dQineioOojtIcmWlPDyx-1J0uuTICbGXunTjSnfc_H-OBGD6tnUAfB6Wz1CsFwYIGUNjWeapnr09wDh-Mg-kM22LnXbQ/s400/bookcasewithartsm.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Another gift:</span> I added this newly framed print of an original architectural rendering of the Estate (Hartwell & Richardson, 1889) that I discovered online to the shelves flanking the window seat. I also brought over a box of old books that my mom had in storage (</span><span style="font-size:130%;">are you sensing a “we-don’t-throw-anything-away-in-this-family</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> trend here?) to help fill up the shelves. Attention to details – plus good old-fashioned recycling – makes a world of difference!<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWJJvG_CIFqfE7g7Yp_8nHm_funRu34ihfft_zzOvDMMoNaTLS_1DzpgyFtDq034ip3BKwswM5-a19pZ0PdlX60MWdhbFXhGkJvf2y_FDAICRcS2bez3QUhFWvZL_aNdkHpAT6W8chI4/s1600-h/SE+side+chairs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420048636949181410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWJJvG_CIFqfE7g7Yp_8nHm_funRu34ihfft_zzOvDMMoNaTLS_1DzpgyFtDq034ip3BKwswM5-a19pZ0PdlX60MWdhbFXhGkJvf2y_FDAICRcS2bez3QUhFWvZL_aNdkHpAT6W8chI4/s400/SE+side+chairs.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">These two chairs from the Stevens Estate are<br />scheduled to receive the next makeover.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Check back soon ...</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Advertisement</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span><a href="http://www.threadscouture.com/Home_Page.php" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420120734267112450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLXTg-_smp-xtpZ5iB9EB93Bi5-0a4qL5h2UWRWNjno-snCPjczDKoUQp4gGtLbcCbB-F00YbwajO7UBYiT60cru-q1g4c3cmoH-SpX2GsyWHEgBCgAX7bdOV9OmiBoc2q6YETequocA/s400/threadsbanner-SE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 143px;" /></a><br /></div>

A gift for The Stevens Estate

Stevens Estate design update: new window treatments I am sure you have heard – or maybe even spoken – the words “listen to your mother! ” W...

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The Stevens Estate receives a design update

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy52jmzbjsNWDTj5SBauHaEUTVvN0fujIkBrdUbSWJcQibMCMzxssBnVFp17t5KvcsTp94VJaL_ieUppKe-XFhNEvmFtpkF2tXb8IaVMs45mOC_41ptl_RVqiuzxH91iK84B4oakAt-7M/s1600-h/benchcushionpillowsSE.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384272110089630658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy52jmzbjsNWDTj5SBauHaEUTVvN0fujIkBrdUbSWJcQibMCMzxssBnVFp17t5KvcsTp94VJaL_ieUppKe-XFhNEvmFtpkF2tXb8IaVMs45mOC_41ptl_RVqiuzxH91iK84B4oakAt-7M/s400/benchcushionpillowsSE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://friendswhodesign.com/Custom_Embroidery.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Embroidery by Threads Couture</span></a></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The first floor inglenook at <a href="http://www.stevensestate.com/facilities.html">The Stevens Estate</a> in North Andover has recently received a mini-makeover courtesy of <a href="http://yvonneblacker.com/">myself</a> and designers: Nancy Faye Glass, <a href="http://renaissanceinteriors.com/">Linda Hentschel</a>, <a href="http://www.finn-martensdesign.com/index.html">Patricia Finn</a> and <a href="http://thetaylordroom.com/index.htm">Linda Diorio</a>. Separately and as a team, we have been consulting and providing decorating updates since the beginning of the year to this stately mansion (owned since 1995 by the town of North Andover) that functions as a special event and conference center.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBXPlDY3POcQrIJhkPjgeUKFdKrkbwof0U4dWbQc_6nMnuUoO3jkfcuMST_P4IRfmXho8b_NwZAG8W91KZ7f-sbqAMmgkv513HNoC0P-3ulvzG881ggkS1uPrGYZ9swj9rVWgg6mbXBg/s1600-h/osgood+coat+of+arms.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384272136858585106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBXPlDY3POcQrIJhkPjgeUKFdKrkbwof0U4dWbQc_6nMnuUoO3jkfcuMST_P4IRfmXho8b_NwZAG8W91KZ7f-sbqAMmgkv513HNoC0P-3ulvzG881ggkS1uPrGYZ9swj9rVWgg6mbXBg/s400/osgood+coat+of+arms.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 323px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I found this image online of the <a href="http://www.osgoodancestry.org/index.html">Osgood Coat of Arms</a>. I plan to have it reproduced and framed in honor of Charlotte E. Osgood whose family gifted this property to her and new husband Moses T. Stevens in 1853. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">New fabrics for the inglenook were chosen based on the colors from this coat of arms, along with the colors in the original stained glass featured in the stairway.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6nV_zqIpp9goZF4wWHjbtSWf3jc66uwKnq-Y2xiAkU7aPt8KpSuqhrmEciOWNxtzLV8WGRgCqInRCybOcI7MC0N-PTSmZ_hq9hqRLbQnF0gleu2DOr-KSA1guT0D0iF9HJd8_CcaXhI/s1600-h/stainedglassstairwaySE.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384517792290151522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6nV_zqIpp9goZF4wWHjbtSWf3jc66uwKnq-Y2xiAkU7aPt8KpSuqhrmEciOWNxtzLV8WGRgCqInRCybOcI7MC0N-PTSmZ_hq9hqRLbQnF0gleu2DOr-KSA1guT0D0iF9HJd8_CcaXhI/s400/stainedglassstairwaySE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The inglenook cushions </span><span style="font-size:130%;">BEFORE ...</span><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda3BYHSdXdUgWKxrF82ejhjUpJvrkzh_mYxVeywG0GzOV3EeftVqtE9q47YALe8MwptqfTyp3AXHlaXq69WjsHekcYz-XJoL61jOdm5dP3zUGClo_Ffg6mVlQ7sIUueRoKrZpWoMhx2c/s1600-h/benchcushionb4SE.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384421574245374498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda3BYHSdXdUgWKxrF82ejhjUpJvrkzh_mYxVeywG0GzOV3EeftVqtE9q47YALe8MwptqfTyp3AXHlaXq69WjsHekcYz-XJoL61jOdm5dP3zUGClo_Ffg6mVlQ7sIUueRoKrZpWoMhx2c/s400/benchcushionb4SE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSMu-vK0jGmvVE4tZi585ToWVI3w-Y8_Q83qA5_6Evc4Q15IyedF0_NIUE5LSJHWUEr2Y2YsVcbgyPbwj5p5U3z0caRJP9CJERWopTYW9z3JBcoeZAxiyFPDRFzkSxwtTSWc8PUOQuhw/s1600-h/benchcushionsafterSE.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384421591473489378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSMu-vK0jGmvVE4tZi585ToWVI3w-Y8_Q83qA5_6Evc4Q15IyedF0_NIUE5LSJHWUEr2Y2YsVcbgyPbwj5p5U3z0caRJP9CJERWopTYW9z3JBcoeZAxiyFPDRFzkSxwtTSWc8PUOQuhw/s400/benchcushionsafterSE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span>AFTER ... they are newly dressed.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">My personal design goal for this project is to create the feeling of a boutique hotel by incorporating a signature look to promote the Stevens Estate brand identity. We received a generous donation of fabrics, one of which</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">– a beautiful gold linen by <a href="http://www.kravet.com/">Kravet</a> – I had monogrammed to add a personalized touch to these public spaces</span><span style="font-size:130%;">.<br /><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltgqG35NSWApe_NLvb2q2Blbhx9xaroaZmS8CboDDtm6I37FGT-xuz5uNz1MVPZsRFH_t1BvWRPNP3pCkx5gvqezpC8xTb4j0e7ObfP-hfMwzNUG5RdlJYCcAc8aSh1dhw5Lp7XQ93kw/s1600-h/SpillowSE.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384422596097555090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltgqG35NSWApe_NLvb2q2Blbhx9xaroaZmS8CboDDtm6I37FGT-xuz5uNz1MVPZsRFH_t1BvWRPNP3pCkx5gvqezpC8xTb4j0e7ObfP-hfMwzNUG5RdlJYCcAc8aSh1dhw5Lp7XQ93kw/s400/SpillowSE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The second floor bridal suite is branded with</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">a smaller scale version of the “S” pillow.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">BEFORE ... the hall runners were too narrow and<br />the colors did not speak to the new, lighter palette.</span><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc30xcVWvMQZxxtq4SQOT6_jt8wYhgYV2l8_sUf5FnBnrE9LmKswjHOAA1Ijqfs-64qjWiERXELUWDnbrwoMnSumC0Su4ff-zT46YcufSFwhoaHFwNuqnd3bKSekueeNIBT63OjF_SSI/s1600-h/hallrunnerb4SE.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384421605953458274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc30xcVWvMQZxxtq4SQOT6_jt8wYhgYV2l8_sUf5FnBnrE9LmKswjHOAA1Ijqfs-64qjWiERXELUWDnbrwoMnSumC0Su4ff-zT46YcufSFwhoaHFwNuqnd3bKSekueeNIBT63OjF_SSI/s400/hallrunnerb4SE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LBEtU-uYeYYk4EiXNEP7ix2RNL2Jm6MD46b9pCWl3wQtRe7Hcotmk6OeyPv-PYbKVAejZTiK1g8DhiRTu2FpSurQue5Hitl-2gcgyuRVEIeTqoBvhnzqu89aGjj3HFdbS2XqD1N0UXU/s1600-h/newrunnerSE.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384272128430915474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LBEtU-uYeYYk4EiXNEP7ix2RNL2Jm6MD46b9pCWl3wQtRe7Hcotmk6OeyPv-PYbKVAejZTiK1g8DhiRTu2FpSurQue5Hitl-2gcgyuRVEIeTqoBvhnzqu89aGjj3HFdbS2XqD1N0UXU/s400/newrunnerSE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />AFTER ... this custom-sized runner allows<br />more room for couples to stroll side by side.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span>BEFORE ... the fireplace in the<br />banquet room was overlooked.</span></span><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUkrzg__SnFZfxDpWu4xVaBXxj5J8TF41SpXb2_K-GoW2cqRFTQ6iEmkLo6uvFBVPXF5kSKktjlMfLRkam3pnrearx7xtxXn8oH0gynr3EscJ4o6eed8PaWJ0lUP_D0tZ2tP1PYc0suw/s1600-h/fireplacebanquetb4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384416107707123586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUkrzg__SnFZfxDpWu4xVaBXxj5J8TF41SpXb2_K-GoW2cqRFTQ6iEmkLo6uvFBVPXF5kSKktjlMfLRkam3pnrearx7xtxXn8oH0gynr3EscJ4o6eed8PaWJ0lUP_D0tZ2tP1PYc0suw/s400/fireplacebanquetb4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtJM47QZH2ZHj6gVeOZ-5V4vKUHx7TdpzZLVjuqOBnSYIaYzvj68QqAJlCE9oedNnDV93q-AFkdD71kxI8KNkNj2Ci-i6yClHuI2mebK3xADFv8QuFgy8N5PxfTpm0cmJkXanLPsgdZc/s1600-h/birchlogsbanquet.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384272116554253458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtJM47QZH2ZHj6gVeOZ-5V4vKUHx7TdpzZLVjuqOBnSYIaYzvj68QqAJlCE9oedNnDV93q-AFkdD71kxI8KNkNj2Ci-i6yClHuI2mebK3xADFv8QuFgy8N5PxfTpm0cmJkXanLPsgdZc/s400/birchlogsbanquet.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">AFTER ... adding some life and light with a stylish</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">grouping of bright white birch logs goes a long way.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxOwvR9rxIhcHbBpgMwEp8tzzpEPYDHqMRNZ7WBjJ1xEroxh6H0x2lxu9rAiB-F2z5kFDqS6_jxBvQbQXsu-WLLxd5P7hWlyAKilg19oW5g59DQeagojPpj8zlvPXkrqFLiJL2YjfJMI/s1600-h/cherubstainedglassSE.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384502187412987842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxOwvR9rxIhcHbBpgMwEp8tzzpEPYDHqMRNZ7WBjJ1xEroxh6H0x2lxu9rAiB-F2z5kFDqS6_jxBvQbQXsu-WLLxd5P7hWlyAKilg19oW5g59DQeagojPpj8zlvPXkrqFLiJL2YjfJMI/s320/cherubstainedglassSE.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Be sure to check back for future updates ...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A special thanks goes to ...<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.milesriversewing.com/">Miles River Sewing</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> in Danvers<br />and Nancy N. of Melrose for<br />professional workroom services<br /></span>and fabric donations, and to<br />Donna Dreher of <a href="http://www.threadscouture.com/Home_Couture.html">Threads Couture</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">for the custom embroidery.<br /></div>

The Stevens Estate receives a design update

Embroidery by Threads Couture The first floor inglenook at The Stevens Estate in North Andover has recently received a mini-makeover courte...

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