Bringing the outside in ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVKQ82JPEi3AMopd5stqfr6r9yp4ZXw1CwsKnD2iWNWSVU_YvzqdhJVXHzu6b7Vk3nJy0U2s1abbBPjCQCOO2x_IvGotOHPz1vdt92Cx58tzvhyDPC6UYmPJL3gi68OssVKbJN6hcRdG_/s1600/tree+painting+-+Anne+Rogers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVKQ82JPEi3AMopd5stqfr6r9yp4ZXw1CwsKnD2iWNWSVU_YvzqdhJVXHzu6b7Vk3nJy0U2s1abbBPjCQCOO2x_IvGotOHPz1vdt92Cx58tzvhyDPC6UYmPJL3gi68OssVKbJN6hcRdG_/s1600/tree+painting+-+Anne+Rogers.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>watercolor landscape by Anne Rogers of Lynnfield Art Guild</i></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;">Each spring I look forward to participating in “</span><span style="font-size: large;">Art in Bloom,</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> the annual collaboration between the Village Home and Garden Club of Lynnfield and local artists. This year, I was inspired by the watercolor above painted by Anne Rogers. To me, the simple landscape was beautiful. With its expansive green lawn, it reminds me of one of the golf courses in town that whenever I drive past it, I vow to take up the sport just to enjoy a close up view of the immaculately landscaped grounds. </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;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9fRJCDLju7GLdcWCA9K4RyQA8Wl5HGQvaMHvekpBJcX96gV1izxqHKVQXFIO8QR3NnPK1U9xzvcdt_ckdP1gSPeEocL1diob0bV6479thU7LKGB02Bxs3VSOpzOWtLaOiTV8wa7QUc07/s1600/orchids-art+in+bloom-yblacker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9fRJCDLju7GLdcWCA9K4RyQA8Wl5HGQvaMHvekpBJcX96gV1izxqHKVQXFIO8QR3NnPK1U9xzvcdt_ckdP1gSPeEocL1diob0bV6479thU7LKGB02Bxs3VSOpzOWtLaOiTV8wa7QUc07/s1600/orchids-art+in+bloom-yblacker.jpg" width="400" /></a></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;">I chose to combine a trio of orchid plants adorned with yellow twigs to represent the small patch of trees in the center of the painting. A small arrangement of green chrysanthemums in a silver vase placed in the foreground stand in for the evergreen bushes that dot the open field.</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;">It seems as if my arranging style has become quite minimalist over the years, favoring groupings of same flowers and repetition of color. This is probably a result of my work schedule taken up more of my free time, but it is still a good example of how a simple flower can add beauty and drama without the fuss. Anyone can do this!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkraHJO8JEO4Lziv9UKSPxgzvU57k5pdhzpnmusgaDXFuWea_WwDmIOqtExgTgWXtUkSh1vzeTDFWOMzso4qZVUJKFhYhM3zXd6TPI3Dy2IZHzocRnXikm69YF1tQtrcQpaIbjR4B57yM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+8.46.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkraHJO8JEO4Lziv9UKSPxgzvU57k5pdhzpnmusgaDXFuWea_WwDmIOqtExgTgWXtUkSh1vzeTDFWOMzso4qZVUJKFhYhM3zXd6TPI3Dy2IZHzocRnXikm69YF1tQtrcQpaIbjR4B57yM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+8.46.50+AM.png" width="400" /></a></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;">Along with bringing an arrangement for inside the library, I also had the job of decorating the front display window at the entrance of the building. Since our garden club is now a Home and Garden Club (membership has doubled!) I focused on showing ways to “</span><span style="font-size: large;">bring the outside in</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> when decorating interiors. I brought one of my favorite prints from home and paired it with fresh lillies in a black vintage teapot. Wallcoverings, paint chips, fabric swatches and garden inspired objects filled the case. </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;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80BVJpo8Vs4A_f0EsPdPS4S_SlJvyL-mlF2taGehem4qRKraRcX47Pd3t-mg4kZ2t73K8pv2VcyeqK702xP_NIdnEqxGIY3ddDEBJMyQIgsChyot4zGoIR3XPp6V7auAHqLquWx-AZ6GH/s1600/window+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80BVJpo8Vs4A_f0EsPdPS4S_SlJvyL-mlF2taGehem4qRKraRcX47Pd3t-mg4kZ2t73K8pv2VcyeqK702xP_NIdnEqxGIY3ddDEBJMyQIgsChyot4zGoIR3XPp6V7auAHqLquWx-AZ6GH/s1600/window+display.jpg" width="450" /></a></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;">It was kind of a hodge-podge of design ideas, but in person I believe it looked a little more inspiring. I especially enjoyed being able to include origami birds folded in spring colored papers by my son Owen. Had to pay him $5, but it was worth it! Below are some of my nature inspired decorating ideas ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl-3l9ckaD6OdZSAnZUOIwDi5NNR8I-p_7jiqi8BNhCvY_M9INdUkQKLj8UJl91WtWHoGd_dR0cZeldI7L6Hr8yKu2JLYj-BeVxPKNKuH3VZHJVFXncXHHvoN0YlV_ai4l_eSFJ0ZEA6_/s1600/wall_victoria+albert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl-3l9ckaD6OdZSAnZUOIwDi5NNR8I-p_7jiqi8BNhCvY_M9INdUkQKLj8UJl91WtWHoGd_dR0cZeldI7L6Hr8yKu2JLYj-BeVxPKNKuH3VZHJVFXncXHHvoN0YlV_ai4l_eSFJ0ZEA6_/s1600/wall_victoria+albert.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Arts + Crafts style wall covering</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>from Victoria + Albert Museum</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6NCuNb3iYlsfILEKeR0hDA46qR0Ma6gg-rl_kOJ3r1TmIbpe1inFolPA2xbtnWq2frMDHQzJWmYHNox3WhwRmjcc4F1-R8S-xlPOZtMY5GbsT7pYNSGi3aEpj8Evb5IMxg46W81nwCCF/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+8.48.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6NCuNb3iYlsfILEKeR0hDA46qR0Ma6gg-rl_kOJ3r1TmIbpe1inFolPA2xbtnWq2frMDHQzJWmYHNox3WhwRmjcc4F1-R8S-xlPOZtMY5GbsT7pYNSGi3aEpj8Evb5IMxg46W81nwCCF/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+8.48.54+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.bassettfurniture.com/Paradise-Flower-Bluebird-DZ27275.asp">Paradise Flower Bluebird pillow</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>from Bassett Furniture</i></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: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUK27eVWBNC_8izrV7kRVJjPCTttjuig-SJcaFYzsnv2YiVoxr8m9C1VlJic8WVi1-8TxXqrHaAJ-iGf2zMjfPD93UX0zhhZ9PZkm7bDzFsOxTQri_pRO_kzWJZ0icfov8QPDucW8-Wktt/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+3.29.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUK27eVWBNC_8izrV7kRVJjPCTttjuig-SJcaFYzsnv2YiVoxr8m9C1VlJic8WVi1-8TxXqrHaAJ-iGf2zMjfPD93UX0zhhZ9PZkm7bDzFsOxTQri_pRO_kzWJZ0icfov8QPDucW8-Wktt/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+3.29.03+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://search.kravet.com/Kravet-Print-Grey/WOODLAWN.11-400/CoverInformation.aspx"><i>Woodlawn Stone linen designed by Sarah Richardson for Kravet</i></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: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCqyIlxozWIE-T0PeoD5gMHpcaFYinG7jqjNeYtzX3Fk6njxd_G95CLRXwdLIM-1F8Cmq7KK41so70tAI7ZjgJf48t-Bf4RgnVzEU1U95uIED6DDhoSyzVT8tBvp1AcrA2M8d8LGgT5nB/s1600/Kravet-SarahRichardson-drapes-YBlacker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCqyIlxozWIE-T0PeoD5gMHpcaFYinG7jqjNeYtzX3Fk6njxd_G95CLRXwdLIM-1F8Cmq7KK41so70tAI7ZjgJf48t-Bf4RgnVzEU1U95uIED6DDhoSyzVT8tBvp1AcrA2M8d8LGgT5nB/s1600/Kravet-SarahRichardson-drapes-YBlacker.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A recent window treatment project I designed with this fabric for a client</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.houzz.com/projects/492956/Custom-Windows">– see more on my Houzz profile page –</a></i></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: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfHmoW70PYnWDqMoTsOJ0u7U88z_YsG8kBWnjCLvWCe1dA5ikiHm5-JOdQeOHfYXroMD6aRpvlm9UF9t2CNX-nXWkvrjjEucUqgux2d7PZiB1UX2jdlsBg7QnbSTkxNkBhZ2sBHOwNsIy/s1600/pink+paints+SW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfHmoW70PYnWDqMoTsOJ0u7U88z_YsG8kBWnjCLvWCe1dA5ikiHm5-JOdQeOHfYXroMD6aRpvlm9UF9t2CNX-nXWkvrjjEucUqgux2d7PZiB1UX2jdlsBg7QnbSTkxNkBhZ2sBHOwNsIy/s1600/pink+paints+SW.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/">flower inspired paint colors from Sherwin Williams</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>White Dogwood, Azalea Flower, Coming up Roses</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumFeC0scJN7T9scaRRBDT31LYM4GCpxiMv7eN1mcVUZAJKog-Al4ofD0h1yA_r4fCPuwM7XrOCU9o0PUARspCen9wJ9UqwAVaJsrUV2ykZFCEwYIb2DB4rl8Vt5ifWtFOOk-0h1HoBBHd/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+4.33.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumFeC0scJN7T9scaRRBDT31LYM4GCpxiMv7eN1mcVUZAJKog-Al4ofD0h1yA_r4fCPuwM7XrOCU9o0PUARspCen9wJ9UqwAVaJsrUV2ykZFCEwYIb2DB4rl8Vt5ifWtFOOk-0h1HoBBHd/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+4.33.32+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Lily by Sherwin Williams</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3tJlb0v6AA8UoXIarVGCw34rPYEqBw4uiO1ShdoAlTj5aDInXp727guGCJE-s5HOlFgceLer90v0J_EOQQ0SDZV_FiEbKfyhHq2s9uQghDlS-pBujlP9K-Ct3pkJYdeltZzHbWSRLinH/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+4.29.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3tJlb0v6AA8UoXIarVGCw34rPYEqBw4uiO1ShdoAlTj5aDInXp727guGCJE-s5HOlFgceLer90v0J_EOQQ0SDZV_FiEbKfyhHq2s9uQghDlS-pBujlP9K-Ct3pkJYdeltZzHbWSRLinH/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+4.29.31+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Daffodil by Sherwin Williams</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJrzX5Kp6ApaHILm4s93rQdDlfTgSpF-QJswnl5r8KGHDG27tyMlETLq0C1SvjH6wL9MdI6qmlU76UCuTGARkJ-Eo0wEIF5MH5VQqcH0D4i1rMA6TZ8-XHVKVDdzwKS6cPp0Z7F5hCkeB/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+4.31.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJrzX5Kp6ApaHILm4s93rQdDlfTgSpF-QJswnl5r8KGHDG27tyMlETLq0C1SvjH6wL9MdI6qmlU76UCuTGARkJ-Eo0wEIF5MH5VQqcH0D4i1rMA6TZ8-XHVKVDdzwKS6cPp0Z7F5hCkeB/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+4.31.05+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Daisy by Sherwin Williams</i></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: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12fDVcuZkBwYBPEnJxDouq2mIVOtiJ2acAlboyWWvLxGhA_guoPvbGENpv3w09WbDFAUraDFXuFi9SiJ4yA_URYFKsU0aoVPIZjyDmM5vR_mzRwd_ruwt1jOs_YBlloytE-izAyiWh69Q/s1600/purple+paints+SW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12fDVcuZkBwYBPEnJxDouq2mIVOtiJ2acAlboyWWvLxGhA_guoPvbGENpv3w09WbDFAUraDFXuFi9SiJ4yA_URYFKsU0aoVPIZjyDmM5vR_mzRwd_ruwt1jOs_YBlloytE-izAyiWh69Q/s1600/purple+paints+SW.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>a bouquet of purples from Sherwin Williams</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Obi Lilac, Radiant Lilac, Valiant Violet</i></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: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNbNSZUbUhsbW6dEfIRMPHOw7Pys0orb3bhG2VhfwdZaqQ4hxnUbFmfVvtrx_JFVX3Iyohyphenhyphen2I8ukx7lD1GmwlrV84abM1ZTfutxQvIYNUmFtBK2H-gbR5EC9YNdR8dO3fAswQ47v5Odtr/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+8.46.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNbNSZUbUhsbW6dEfIRMPHOw7Pys0orb3bhG2VhfwdZaqQ4hxnUbFmfVvtrx_JFVX3Iyohyphenhyphen2I8ukx7lD1GmwlrV84abM1ZTfutxQvIYNUmFtBK2H-gbR5EC9YNdR8dO3fAswQ47v5Odtr/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+8.46.33+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>origami art by Owen</i></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: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhhf4EpoSV2LdGFHaXL5tOiKfxHxAhQdMbTNOhHfWkAPWQTvfelFPgG4tTp1fx03RnEUoFDptXND1p4xgo1ZOI3qu3yH2e8wuk350S7yFXPML0YSsecspMepSoiyhn9TT4GwKuP4fS0kf/s1600/grasscloth+wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhhf4EpoSV2LdGFHaXL5tOiKfxHxAhQdMbTNOhHfWkAPWQTvfelFPgG4tTp1fx03RnEUoFDptXND1p4xgo1ZOI3qu3yH2e8wuk350S7yFXPML0YSsecspMepSoiyhn9TT4GwKuP4fS0kf/s1600/grasscloth+wallpaper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>grasscloth</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 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKeKy0ToH7kcsgwh0bBsvgXh3zurYfIC9ihdGvKJhV0TefboqEeXww-6dF3wyLyXeVbsGqkOZQ4w_Lei_UEPS9MWxJRu245egm1vCh0JehQMroR0tsqfYVpJ8mP5sHUBnxijM7hhwv9jQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+6.49.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKeKy0ToH7kcsgwh0bBsvgXh3zurYfIC9ihdGvKJhV0TefboqEeXww-6dF3wyLyXeVbsGqkOZQ4w_Lei_UEPS9MWxJRu245egm1vCh0JehQMroR0tsqfYVpJ8mP5sHUBnxijM7hhwv9jQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-24+at+6.49.04+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">How do you bring the outside in?</span></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: center;"><br /></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: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Bringing the outside in ...

watercolor landscape by Anne Rogers of Lynnfield Art Guild Each spring I look forward to participating in “ Art in Bloom, ”  the annual coll...

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Winter’s last breath ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9CiCngV6yRceA5XdfTv7s9Fe__JFLsJHyUmJ_ije2TFrfvSUnWMn1CBKkwht-K_aMc1dxBVJe-wUe4BiBjKjYJICsFkOWT5VkO1xFgkv56x46xWBs2Q2-5CssGV7-RVST6lQ8cDH-aom/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+3.42.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9CiCngV6yRceA5XdfTv7s9Fe__JFLsJHyUmJ_ije2TFrfvSUnWMn1CBKkwht-K_aMc1dxBVJe-wUe4BiBjKjYJICsFkOWT5VkO1xFgkv56x46xWBs2Q2-5CssGV7-RVST6lQ8cDH-aom/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+3.42.42+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The snapshot above was taken last Sunday. I was so excited to see these crocuses making their way out of their frozen slumber! Today we are buried under a foot of the white stuff again. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUhxbXf4UbWU_VXcpE7ALnxxRtoa8pNExs6r4BgJLbihLtqm7oJ3GPfzaPmJWPRYBVxdzAMQUXbcH6CTUrEqpKNvhr3tlQPzOOA34Y2JkoMh451HVJsxdGOHbsyuqUyalX94pZVJM0M7s/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+3.52.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUhxbXf4UbWU_VXcpE7ALnxxRtoa8pNExs6r4BgJLbihLtqm7oJ3GPfzaPmJWPRYBVxdzAMQUXbcH6CTUrEqpKNvhr3tlQPzOOA34Y2JkoMh451HVJsxdGOHbsyuqUyalX94pZVJM0M7s/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+3.52.23+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">While a monochromatic canvas exists outside my window, my thoughts drift to colorful bouquets and flower shows ... </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Spring on my mind ...</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br />On Monday night, the annual <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/events/art-in-bloom-at-the-lynnfield-library">Art in Bloom</a> exhibit at the Lynnfield Library will be opening. I am hoping to find some pretty spring-like blossoms this weekend to use in my floral interpretation of a local high school student’s artwork. Last year was the first time our garden club opened up the show to student artists. The collaboration was really inspiring and brought a youthful energy to the exhibit. </span><span style="font-size: large;">This year we have even more students participating. I promise to share some favorite photos after the event.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQST9X6J_1exAZjqP9qeB9gVBj-U_tCg1J0KAJfT4ntwAKG7jl3arTuxWBSxfEyp1sFMDncJ4WsX7rwxfa0Fgi7Tpvdok8MdcNGe7DNn163whRDZdlyBiBw9XzG6DUijpHVTMf94i0utV/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+5.22.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQST9X6J_1exAZjqP9qeB9gVBj-U_tCg1J0KAJfT4ntwAKG7jl3arTuxWBSxfEyp1sFMDncJ4WsX7rwxfa0Fgi7Tpvdok8MdcNGe7DNn163whRDZdlyBiBw9XzG6DUijpHVTMf94i0utV/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+5.22.56+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>“Pastorale” by Beth Aaronson // floral arrangement by Bootie Stevens</i><br /><i><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2012/03/art-in-bloom-2012.html">View Art in Bloom 2012 here</a></i></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you are in town, stop by the library between 7:30 – 9 pm to join us for the opening night reception with the artists and members of the <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/the-village-home-and-garden-club-builds-on-historic-roots">Village Home and Garden Club.</a> Refreshments will be served and there will be some raffle prizes. Last year someone took home a gorgeous tree from <a href="http://www.northeastnursery.com/">Northeast Nursery</a> to plant in their yard. Art in Bloom is open to the public through Friday, March 15th.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxit25-JZvF_1kCx6jRtBweqM1iKqWk2Hugv-13Xbj9Uc68iai5ZyZM75dIUW8uAm7ecn22wydsXrO2BlBldAwdoKEICM0xEgLs25x0JU5ZdRBDKSeIm49bVdKtiLqVe6HlCANMq0tgdhL/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+5.08.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxit25-JZvF_1kCx6jRtBweqM1iKqWk2Hugv-13Xbj9Uc68iai5ZyZM75dIUW8uAm7ecn22wydsXrO2BlBldAwdoKEICM0xEgLs25x0JU5ZdRBDKSeIm49bVdKtiLqVe6HlCANMq0tgdhL/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+5.08.28+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Boston Flower and Garden Show 2011</i><br /><i><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef2-april.may2011/19">Stone gate and garden by New England Land Artisan of Stratham, NH </a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef2-april.may2011/19">featured in New England Finery, April 2011</a> </i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">The ultimate interior landscape ...</span></i><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I just realized that the <a href="http://www.bostonflowershow.com/">Boston Flower and Garden Show</a> opens next week and runs Wednesday through Sunday at the Seaport World Trade Center. I hope I can make it over there before it ends. Like many of my New England neighbors, I am in serious need of brightly-hued flowers, warm sunshine, and the smell of fragrant blossoms to beckon me back outdoors.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1URE0gX79DBYkgD67DsXpBkk46Xn5eayiVy3kpui7T8wlp4tb2itYrLKoHJjf4Rh546HtRG_wdp2pfkKgWAWVY_ksU7qMImNroB2aKvWlCy-4Jrsu-knGsGdBoq_HkY8Q5FxWl5NoUv3/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+5.07.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1URE0gX79DBYkgD67DsXpBkk46Xn5eayiVy3kpui7T8wlp4tb2itYrLKoHJjf4Rh546HtRG_wdp2pfkKgWAWVY_ksU7qMImNroB2aKvWlCy-4Jrsu-knGsGdBoq_HkY8Q5FxWl5NoUv3/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+5.07.50+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Boston Flower and Garden Show 2011</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef2-april.may2011/11">New England Arts and Flowers of Walpole, MA</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef2-april.may2011/11">featured in New England Finery, April 2011</a></i></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzpkYdNMr9AgRn1V6kEMD4dHMxJQHUpAEZJwUfyKQk7N4igpMwQRsV9jUn2hFBip2NmH72_vBSbpocMiOitwov_O2NZXiV6boYcHiYBq6BTTC4n8iNeYe62f5QpggLP3EZcVqgEcU_Uab/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+5.51.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzpkYdNMr9AgRn1V6kEMD4dHMxJQHUpAEZJwUfyKQk7N4igpMwQRsV9jUn2hFBip2NmH72_vBSbpocMiOitwov_O2NZXiV6boYcHiYBq6BTTC4n8iNeYe62f5QpggLP3EZcVqgEcU_Uab/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-08+at+5.51.18+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/GalleryFocus.php?f=Suzani-Ikat-Rug&pic=45&max=68">Suzani Design Rug, Hand-Knotted in Pakistan</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.landryandarcari.com/GalleryFocus.php?f=Suzani-Ikat-Rug&pic=45&max=68">available at Landry and Arcari</a></i></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;"><i>Fabulous florals in silk and wool ...</i></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;">The final seminar in the <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/passport">Boston Home Magazine Passport to Design</a> series was rescheduled to Thursday, March 14th (canceled from its original night on the 7th because of you guessed it, another snowstorm). I will be at the Landry and Arcari showroom in Salem, MA from 6 to 8pm with my peeps from <a href="http://designerbath.com/">Designer Bath</a> and the rest of the Passport to Design team members. Registered guests will learn how to select fine carpets to decorate their homes. If you would like to attend, please email contact@landryandarcari.com to get your name on the list. This will be the final opportunity</span><span style="font-size: large;"> to enter to win the $20,000 Home Makeover Sweepstakes, which could easily outfit any home with a fresh new look for spring.</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><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>

Winter’s last breath ...

The snapshot above was taken last Sunday. I was so excited to see these crocuses making their way out of their frozen slumber! Today we are ...

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Decorating with Mother Nature ...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDR1KRl26jmFaczYnWlezKjAqc9qgVdW5AHu4U6Z0VOFn1Y1nMD_Ch7J6ylaDSKr58_mew5YGZbYNFVVoGx7CLdQgwVusvNN44wcxBbt278zzjowzk3Phk8gi1qioS2VMkqxDCNH-kbei/s1600/items%2540gregs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620303350956200578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDR1KRl26jmFaczYnWlezKjAqc9qgVdW5AHu4U6Z0VOFn1Y1nMD_Ch7J6ylaDSKr58_mew5YGZbYNFVVoGx7CLdQgwVusvNN44wcxBbt278zzjowzk3Phk8gi1qioS2VMkqxDCNH-kbei/s800/items%2540gregs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I love this photo, not only for the abundance of home decor items that are clearly inspired by the beauty of nature, but for the almost hidden reflection of my mom in the mirror. She is clearly enjoying our visit to a local flower shop (<a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/04/time-for-spring-decorating.html">Gregory’s</a> in Wakefield).<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHBMe-uMtsScTXH9GolaZvt-8vYsFrkz5DDFK8IEKndGT9Cf-Ih4JFdps_Lyt-lJKIIuFPYdOTNvLEtWKFge5D0S9BFyNmCMlJrgKlmemRZSmW9r-5XldWubRWklzht9Ms3usdMZ0sU8g/s1600/gardenroom2011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620300105365773938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHBMe-uMtsScTXH9GolaZvt-8vYsFrkz5DDFK8IEKndGT9Cf-Ih4JFdps_Lyt-lJKIIuFPYdOTNvLEtWKFge5D0S9BFyNmCMlJrgKlmemRZSmW9r-5XldWubRWklzht9Ms3usdMZ0sU8g/s800/gardenroom2011.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">My garden room with its wall of shrub roses and wisteria.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />With the official beginning of summer upon us, thoughts naturally turn to spending more time in the company of Mother Nature. Take a peek at my recent <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/decorating-with-mother-nature#photo-6291508">post for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lynnfield Patch</span></a> for some inspired tips to get out there and get gardening!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span>

Decorating with Mother Nature ...

I love this photo, not only for the abundance of home decor items that are clearly inspired by the beauty of nature, but for the almost hidd...

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