Feeling flowers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QUtF5SePT-BBjHYC5OEF2jsm9JnJKcI9gYXx_zQtlh4-eqTNdXxew1-vO2TnPhyphenhyphenKak0hqHPP9naXFxOcZgKy_RtCafyEBpgSy0rukXH6egFJ9mTpAQlGOcGc7DL1Oz7pyHCK6CHQ7dOu/s1600/Marimekko-bedding-red-poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Do  you agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson that the earth laughs in flowers? I do.  Flowers are such an integral part of my existence; I could not imagine a world without them.  There are certain times of the year that I think about flowers more than others, and spring (so called, little evidence yet) in Newfoundland is one of those times. As I look out at a light dusting of snow today (yes, snow), I am happy I have beautiful tulips on my coffee table.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeqMFgN1fPbNKLpLwbqdCkrfZk6PJzuWH1f6YZQWhwSkhB3nVte7DUQio0KQ02oV1bkAjORzA19EBANfOnb1vg7uVtoFYZeyJ2KrFbFmhtmu0LdvkAVU5vNu2eXk06KC_2zYo6bM2Eei_/s1600/tulips-coffee+table_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tulips coffee table Margaret Ryall" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeqMFgN1fPbNKLpLwbqdCkrfZk6PJzuWH1f6YZQWhwSkhB3nVte7DUQio0KQ02oV1bkAjORzA19EBANfOnb1vg7uVtoFYZeyJ2KrFbFmhtmu0LdvkAVU5vNu2eXk06KC_2zYo6bM2Eei_/s1600/tulips-coffee+table_01.JPG" title="Designing Home: Feeling Flowers" width="293" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiness reflected </td></tr></tbody></table>I can't get enough fresh flowers in my house, but my budget doesn't allow frequent trips to the florist resulting in long gaps between vibrant colour.  No deals in this city when it comes to flowers!  I constantly joke that if I won a million dollars I would have fresh flowers in every room of my house every day.   Yep, that would be the first change I would make. Not a very exciting option according to friends, but it would make me happy.<br /><br />  Flowers also move me to paint.  I  go through cycles of painting florals and gardens, and several weeks ago when  I was  in total despair about the weather I went downstairs and painted a fantasy bouquet.  I had no reference, these are not identifiable flowers; they are a hybrid I dreamed up to represent the many flowers I like. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztWBbu_gWZUBqt5KndqAAwrCpovt9WL9MdVxOB6L0z5Dw3qV-u3VgDpczAmC2Tiq1cjfeIMuDDG-Z14-DtMyCI0eoccmQFEbFKuepZ36Ib1pFptiqxubEFIAI1QJxdmWVR918kZeoN1Al/s1600/Feeling-flowers-2014-+Margaret-Ryall_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Feeling Flowers (2014) Margaret Ryall acrylic on cradled panel" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztWBbu_gWZUBqt5KndqAAwrCpovt9WL9MdVxOB6L0z5Dw3qV-u3VgDpczAmC2Tiq1cjfeIMuDDG-Z14-DtMyCI0eoccmQFEbFKuepZ36Ib1pFptiqxubEFIAI1QJxdmWVR918kZeoN1Al/s1600/Feeling-flowers-2014-+Margaret-Ryall_01.JPG" title="Designing Home: Feeling Flowers" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling Flowers (2014 ) Margaret Ryall</td></tr></tbody></table>This work is a joyful  expression of my love for flowers. Painting helps me to bridge the seasonal gap between winter and spring while I wait for nature to turn green and colourful. Sometimes my work is the exact opposite of Feeling Flowers.  It can be close up, calculated, detailed - an invitation to the viewer to take a closer look at the world of plants. <br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhHsTwiFoifK9fsspVqm-13wqKOOOshNMdzrxN8Ew10anZPfT2IfOCsBjQ-DTewqCMigAegJQREN71FxDKJ8ZNwSiY2vbwQLPmNmzzwYLJvnTMvr5NwP_Hva89sqoKxMJ8oqnNVr4JxYz/s1600/Erupting+%282010%29+Margaret+Ryall.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden patterns 1 2010 Margaret Ryall acrylic red poppies" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhHsTwiFoifK9fsspVqm-13wqKOOOshNMdzrxN8Ew10anZPfT2IfOCsBjQ-DTewqCMigAegJQREN71FxDKJ8ZNwSiY2vbwQLPmNmzzwYLJvnTMvr5NwP_Hva89sqoKxMJ8oqnNVr4JxYz/s1600/Erupting+(2010)+Margaret+Ryall.JPG" title="Designing Home: Feeling Flowers" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden Patterns I (2010) Margaret Ryall </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBx7EGNOaUhQFN74CvpnDAx6ydaNCxyMcIQ28I2J9isOQBKT7f4UywcHNPErgUz9B422Rs9my_Ub_zDIe9Cgr9WyvPSuAem8iYa-VLzl27u6NuvbCMMHwpD_SCut-k2npr5Jn1N8ckV5Bp/s1600/DSCN4701_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr align="center"><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievamY1XJpqHvkTURqN_LeFKmI0WmC8kUaje1TeREsk9E4QZ_d2Ro6wQ0haVrngt2BxV10ISEZWxpwSsXSzlrr0yBzQetPipx3nKANQJgDteQy_ezMRv9mNGvYx15fMvnqsUZ7QOE_ykWG/s1600/Full+Blown+(2010)+Margaret+Ryall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden patterns II 2010 Margaret Ryall mixed media on cradled panel red poppies " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievamY1XJpqHvkTURqN_LeFKmI0WmC8kUaje1TeREsk9E4QZ_d2Ro6wQ0haVrngt2BxV10ISEZWxpwSsXSzlrr0yBzQetPipx3nKANQJgDteQy_ezMRv9mNGvYx15fMvnqsUZ7QOE_ykWG/s1600/Full+Blown+(2010)+Margaret+Ryall.JPG" title="Designing Home: Feeling Flowers" width="316" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden patterns II (2010) Margaret Ryall<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.theleytongallery.com/">Leyton Gallery of Fine Art  </a></span></td></tr></tbody></table> But all the paintings come from my deep love of flowers, a love born early as I lay face down in the meadow and smelled the buttercups. <br /><br /> Red poppies are favourites because they are so brilliant and fragile. I am attracted to them in all their guises: in a garden, painted or as design motifs on household items.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpgRWoMu13QEovPr8ruQyApfZGaBcPlPOirNgqRimnxdWyWdU6D-a98kiCT34O2GWQEPh5hhMnaytTM-ojk6KAAhzhWOQBKTpc2sZ1gQCVWpbr04LzndVnIICKXJRjLrfW84vkoZnGCW4/s1600/silk-poppies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="poppies vase accessories table " border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpgRWoMu13QEovPr8ruQyApfZGaBcPlPOirNgqRimnxdWyWdU6D-a98kiCT34O2GWQEPh5hhMnaytTM-ojk6KAAhzhWOQBKTpc2sZ1gQCVWpbr04LzndVnIICKXJRjLrfW84vkoZnGCW4/s1600/silk-poppies.jpg" title="Designing Home: Feeling Flowers" width="400" /></a></div><br /> I don't even mind a good fake poppy as an accent in decor.<br /><br /> Where did all this poppy design love come from? <br /><br /> Well, it started a long time ago with the first  Marimekko's poppy design released in  1964!  I was not very old when  I first saw  Finnish textile designer,Maija Isola  iconic unikko design  in a magazine in our local library.  A love affair began. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">And now 50 years later, I am thinking about this same design for a duvet cover in my guest room.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-GvnBNa9_ctiN1jdksjqx8e01EY81F42VekzUMAk5IoVQta8JVM3wpo1tAsKsyboubb3Z7scLnjAoIFMdnQb3IOG2bX9oRNdIwvsIKX97-7HBHW4so57iOoZrG_c0aG6wDcDlcgorxrt/s1600/Marimekko+Unikko+bedding.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="red poppies Marimekko duvet" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-GvnBNa9_ctiN1jdksjqx8e01EY81F42VekzUMAk5IoVQta8JVM3wpo1tAsKsyboubb3Z7scLnjAoIFMdnQb3IOG2bX9oRNdIwvsIKX97-7HBHW4so57iOoZrG_c0aG6wDcDlcgorxrt/s1600/Marimekko+Unikko+bedding.jpg" title="Designing Home: Feeling Flowers" width="343" /></a></div><br /><br />  In many ways 2014 is the year of the poppy because I just received two metres of Marimekko fabric from my daughter . Then my sister got in on the act and made me 12 dinner napkins from the fabric. A family affair for sure.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="black poppies Marimekko napkins" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyrRut_ltn3u0sdmFYlVcynxOA5DuMBxjBuGgZLEROYM70MX1NiugiUiK3WNNJoHFH-mkfabEQP7waVEHrBPi8akNLQqYDAVyIO7xEou0g_8qa1Tytlk9ZFIIne_adpdDKQTkJYVy3Rd3/s1600/Merimekko-napkins_01.JPG" title="Designing Home: Feeling Flowers" width="400" /></div>From tulips in the flesh,  fantasy flowers, poppies and wherever your heart desires if you feel flowers. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I will end as I began, with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span>" Flowers.... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out values all the utilities of the world".  </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes you get to combine both !  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Mother's Day 2014.</div><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 26px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>

Feeling flowers

Do  you agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson that the earth laughs in flowers? I do.  Flowers are such an integral part of my existence; I could n...

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A must have vase

I'm in love with the Boblen  vase my new  neighbour gave me. Although we do not know each other well, she could not have chosen a more fitting gift.  I always have some version of fresh greenery or flowers in my home. The more I look at  this little gem the more ideas I get  for using it.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpn-4rbPOGZJS_0jUv66BFGTp74pIs6xqPxEzJq_DwI1mAmGQJYIMhbbFXL8HEv7ZE7HfuZ0bcopuwJHAfH4kQTxDgdz-71TnkTZSOrKxdwKGPieEEL_Q0Ys8ZIzpJv3IuomSVt6NRUL0/s1600/B6Xhn2ZMO4Sg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>The Boblen line of vases, designed by famous Norwegian Florist and TV personality Finn Schjoll,<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQduoT1wS5WHiqvh96t2aNqszcPKcr1jKLFzzQ-SARk-x8yNMFUm5IKKwcX7ywYOz2a-FOs8eWHEauuqVD8uhWgbvr4XyF3aQvxa7tFkk-r9uRSkPB17XmxrI7V5fj3csgMo_LAojMmx-f/s1600/9895310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQduoT1wS5WHiqvh96t2aNqszcPKcr1jKLFzzQ-SARk-x8yNMFUm5IKKwcX7ywYOz2a-FOs8eWHEauuqVD8uhWgbvr4XyF3aQvxa7tFkk-r9uRSkPB17XmxrI7V5fj3csgMo_LAojMmx-f/s400/9895310.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.letsdeal.no/deal/9895310/">source  </a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> are expressive mouth blown vases  in clear glass in various sizes </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_3Qtq4ql2qfxK3yFB6I0C70BwsACrNADcSOndaRjvBBF2C3i1tKyzYAlCI0TAoZYEislE_rmWaizu6GtqyNYeQqrCHgM5HWSniCZlscMp3ZyFmMBevEertCARcogAqNtK9hAET-ntpNt/s1600/IV2xfJYEMpRL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_3Qtq4ql2qfxK3yFB6I0C70BwsACrNADcSOndaRjvBBF2C3i1tKyzYAlCI0TAoZYEislE_rmWaizu6GtqyNYeQqrCHgM5HWSniCZlscMp3ZyFmMBevEertCARcogAqNtK9hAET-ntpNt/s400/IV2xfJYEMpRL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> and colours. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJzUfXM-P66Z6Hw6sLhTc_PszQH-XhzUz5DDJ18sg7MrDbqh3zqJr2lyYStqltJ7oMA8gUcy7aEKJNWYdhddkq9swuEXRkcMou7E8t2W8x2adktaNri2w6fvpEBxGQzfcHjXpkg2JerN3/s1600/Magnor++Boblen.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJzUfXM-P66Z6Hw6sLhTc_PszQH-XhzUz5DDJ18sg7MrDbqh3zqJr2lyYStqltJ7oMA8gUcy7aEKJNWYdhddkq9swuEXRkcMou7E8t2W8x2adktaNri2w6fvpEBxGQzfcHjXpkg2JerN3/s400/Magnor++Boblen.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Its design was inspired by water drops on a lily after the rain. The extended flat lip makes them especially conducive to wide floral designs.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1U20v6q0X9_FNS3EybpnXkcTLPeTdMZmohd6C3v-me87GvUarFsAo_HXEho2V8oM59EhdqAwvBSENj3nfiqSrkega10OxAnJQ17x_BOhtYloKs5izOcqXJ-gn5ce8qEW5yjagLDdG9JFr/s1600/132134986709524_enus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1U20v6q0X9_FNS3EybpnXkcTLPeTdMZmohd6C3v-me87GvUarFsAo_HXEho2V8oM59EhdqAwvBSENj3nfiqSrkega10OxAnJQ17x_BOhtYloKs5izOcqXJ-gn5ce8qEW5yjagLDdG9JFr/s400/132134986709524_enus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.prefersource.com/site/pfs/home/page.html?cid=3&scid=72&tcid=73&aid=133483556040040&bycat=Vases%7CMagnor">source</a>  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pvxsmuCXQhkW9xyClO4vf2hDDTqsxXIux9B0xae-azJnImhO7mqtX3UMvXaUggMOHB-Q9-IF0nM01IS-vJ3iWsdPPWrmpxRotpw7jdd3bQSWnlYHwNmieH79ymMsNLySdV24689Gdcig/s1600/Boblen+++peppermynte+te+015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pvxsmuCXQhkW9xyClO4vf2hDDTqsxXIux9B0xae-azJnImhO7mqtX3UMvXaUggMOHB-Q9-IF0nM01IS-vJ3iWsdPPWrmpxRotpw7jdd3bQSWnlYHwNmieH79ymMsNLySdV24689Gdcig/s400/Boblen+++peppermynte+te+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gardenandangels.blogspot.ca/2012/08/boblen.html">source </a><span style="color: blue;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_vF3hEsijf4gyacon0Mp9-0ECc3QthS6OQ3ddNnQxOvuI0Hils6-KAAWis1l-xduZgbbv3jWCBm1tIPecdzKdGJhBPFeyuNH8wJ3v74kP0Dylnu9yEuIZJpFc3OeQBdKFCceuQmNmgUE/s1600/Magnor2+Boblen.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_vF3hEsijf4gyacon0Mp9-0ECc3QthS6OQ3ddNnQxOvuI0Hils6-KAAWis1l-xduZgbbv3jWCBm1tIPecdzKdGJhBPFeyuNH8wJ3v74kP0Dylnu9yEuIZJpFc3OeQBdKFCceuQmNmgUE/s400/Magnor2+Boblen.JPG" width="265" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adressa.no/forbruker/hjem/article1591248.ece">source</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> or to highlight  a single blossom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTE4VfzTUy0-LQTgnwGk-zFtTGFOCXw-W-_fThNIH7v0lrT-8r0b8cvy1eLtbKk6pWrWCfNXlYQi9dmsuWTM7ENXGo2oSD1mAArfBaLKHztz1Y7wW5M2Bj_gqrtJD65S6C320jUo5TYTs/s1600/Magnoe1+Boblen.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTE4VfzTUy0-LQTgnwGk-zFtTGFOCXw-W-_fThNIH7v0lrT-8r0b8cvy1eLtbKk6pWrWCfNXlYQi9dmsuWTM7ENXGo2oSD1mAArfBaLKHztz1Y7wW5M2Bj_gqrtJD65S6C320jUo5TYTs/s400/Magnoe1+Boblen.JPG" width="291" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> You can also put several vases of varying sizes together to create drama.  </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAf5Xx8qF-FxQ4hYja19dizo5pQD277-UG1Y_VZWCN-1RvhMSb9ZBCwlyZMO36nD8i_NsDDJBJzTB9s1E-WvLyRxREQE-WdOCEbAtQNhRXHecacXXFlgomJ-nWfcisPWD4ceinoGYJvYtf/s1600/JURbMyqLVh9j.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAf5Xx8qF-FxQ4hYja19dizo5pQD277-UG1Y_VZWCN-1RvhMSb9ZBCwlyZMO36nD8i_NsDDJBJzTB9s1E-WvLyRxREQE-WdOCEbAtQNhRXHecacXXFlgomJ-nWfcisPWD4ceinoGYJvYtf/s400/JURbMyqLVh9j.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> or float a flower in water in the bowl . </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenmCInH84oNew-q3O47s5dXCiHSeAyW6k_pnrhQ9U0boG5volwJxc8X-TdjVe2nUU9mxX7XG-p4EWZnUCKYaAotBp5QSmhLTcnTBDWdCmHvKrQBvWFgLGtN28sN6hFAcUt9A_Mjbj-SW7/s1600/159fe8413ba2084986d5adc9c97c255e-image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenmCInH84oNew-q3O47s5dXCiHSeAyW6k_pnrhQ9U0boG5volwJxc8X-TdjVe2nUU9mxX7XG-p4EWZnUCKYaAotBp5QSmhLTcnTBDWdCmHvKrQBvWFgLGtN28sN6hFAcUt9A_Mjbj-SW7/s400/159fe8413ba2084986d5adc9c97c255e-image.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7JAI7qxez4tHoby69SgZ1RwQ9CzesVMUlJmSxp9pcjj8qHD-SYpP2In1Yl_T75DMzG-fKmdIJ6-0HsqcQ-IV1JwzBD2YhjyXSR08eebVi8NqxBsUcsRxXSaR2eDY9uoCUuWf-N7FiG5k/s1600/58cf90805fb611e180c9123138016265_7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7JAI7qxez4tHoby69SgZ1RwQ9CzesVMUlJmSxp9pcjj8qHD-SYpP2In1Yl_T75DMzG-fKmdIJ6-0HsqcQ-IV1JwzBD2YhjyXSR08eebVi8NqxBsUcsRxXSaR2eDY9uoCUuWf-N7FiG5k/s400/58cf90805fb611e180c9123138016265_7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;"><u>source </u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1U20v6q0X9_FNS3EybpnXkcTLPeTdMZmohd6C3v-me87GvUarFsAo_HXEho2V8oM59EhdqAwvBSENj3nfiqSrkega10OxAnJQ17x_BOhtYloKs5izOcqXJ-gn5ce8qEW5yjagLDdG9JFr/s1600/132134986709524_enus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">  or wrap a creeping vine under and around the lip.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9mzE0JRv-W-Rlt8fs3DzZkrRqKjBR5BQhdc5IShHDnE3IpfQLrOQV0iTd7FFRmEiKd3cXah8o1-_ko6ErdBdasiTteJg-RZLoLsmkPOjL7YzZLYijQ2ahrDNdR6XsNITIfGJ9k7YufBN/s1600/Boblen+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9mzE0JRv-W-Rlt8fs3DzZkrRqKjBR5BQhdc5IShHDnE3IpfQLrOQV0iTd7FFRmEiKd3cXah8o1-_ko6ErdBdasiTteJg-RZLoLsmkPOjL7YzZLYijQ2ahrDNdR6XsNITIfGJ9k7YufBN/s400/Boblen+08.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sivshus.blogspot.ca/2010_10_01_archive.html">source  </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTE4VfzTUy0-LQTgnwGk-zFtTGFOCXw-W-_fThNIH7v0lrT-8r0b8cvy1eLtbKk6pWrWCfNXlYQi9dmsuWTM7ENXGo2oSD1mAArfBaLKHztz1Y7wW5M2Bj_gqrtJD65S6C320jUo5TYTs/s1600/Magnoe1+Boblen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> You could also fill the bowl with candy, small glass ornaments, beach glass, berries, small blossoms, pepples etc.  and place a pillar candle on top.  An all around accent for your home that can always be on display. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artglassvista.com/artglass/Finn_Schjoll/artglass_33512-Boblen_Vase_Clear.html">Art Glass Vista  </a>ships world wide. </div><br />

A must have vase

I'm in love with the Boblen  vase my new  neighbour gave me. Although we do not know each other well, she could not have chosen a more f...

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Small details, big impact

There are so many ways to create impact in a space.  Sometimes impact is created by  subtle additions of  colour, textures, or forms  or features can be in your face - bold.<br /><br /> I tend to sit in the subtle camp.  I enjoy finding treasures in a space and then visually connecting them to create points of interest- a kind of meandering trip while you sit comfortably at your computer or in someone's home.<br /><br /><b>Art</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGvVzpsaSph48z6jBkInKAhLq7-ljBvGiKz92fWexaDeB7PVNXJV4lkRh9RZXQ4ukY6zWMWWYBA2SfCXrKNQdrtzFt1mVg6TNjZNQo2u3xxqhyphenhyphenVRrnhV4vpuAfZG82ziOnwTPho0c27Sl/s1600/35606653274561472_0DsQ7cnW_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGvVzpsaSph48z6jBkInKAhLq7-ljBvGiKz92fWexaDeB7PVNXJV4lkRh9RZXQ4ukY6zWMWWYBA2SfCXrKNQdrtzFt1mVg6TNjZNQo2u3xxqhyphenhyphenVRrnhV4vpuAfZG82ziOnwTPho0c27Sl/s400/35606653274561472_0DsQ7cnW_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/56365432806949976/">Pinterest</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The three small artworks hung vertically (lower than usually seen) act as a perfect foil for the hanging lamp.  The flowers soften all the vertical movement and it is further calmed by  the horizontal lines of the headboard and the fluffy pillows.  In a space that is neutral, you have to rely on other elements beside colour to excite the eye.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_TtMwW5_d1jGjc36ZHdRsOUl_x3LA90lWnxQLWJpvQfH_B1QN0a5ctGLTbE-lZeDmEf2VSJFJnEzP_NEWI_oQeKVtaOfGh3ndzBEoYXgW79S8NA6teF9nbD351x0f9HkwDk05Fc4Q18a/s1600/118782508891393387_YE9AcRIH_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_TtMwW5_d1jGjc36ZHdRsOUl_x3LA90lWnxQLWJpvQfH_B1QN0a5ctGLTbE-lZeDmEf2VSJFJnEzP_NEWI_oQeKVtaOfGh3ndzBEoYXgW79S8NA6teF9nbD351x0f9HkwDk05Fc4Q18a/s400/118782508891393387_YE9AcRIH_b.jpg" width="295" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.southshoredecoratingblog.com/">South Shore Decorating </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The artwork over the banquette keeps drawing me in.  The little hint of blue against the yellow school bus connects to the flowers and pillows.  I would be even happier seeing just the banquette, table and art.  This would allow the viewer to really appreciate the art.  Often less is more.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Flowers </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PBYhd276TXPt_ZZDs4h0E95H89wXjf4vKXefCP7nbuclYxO3EEPrPV4c8cQGZH7C5C9GEk0CO-Lha-8RISJSwp_AQbu_QnbJqoDAeaMtiEw46kffGJl6FnPO_LoVaGUw2yaJIIygqrmM/s1600/105271710009364769_f1Je2wCF_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PBYhd276TXPt_ZZDs4h0E95H89wXjf4vKXefCP7nbuclYxO3EEPrPV4c8cQGZH7C5C9GEk0CO-Lha-8RISJSwp_AQbu_QnbJqoDAeaMtiEw46kffGJl6FnPO_LoVaGUw2yaJIIygqrmM/s400/105271710009364769_f1Je2wCF_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://homeandinteriors.tumblr.com/post/12594277352/by-butler-armsden-architects"> Home & Interiors</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> There's so much I love about this room: the simple lines in furniture; the light floor; the minimalist arrangements in the bookcase; the purple over the fireplace.  The crowning glory for me is the tall vase of calla lilies by the window. They are like an exclamation point.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrVPnCnaIbcotD4bvayPYhAJBxxyQ9sgIzzfxOgLIa402sBKvafH6zByFuBwiCCxHVLVuWVncjuVK85DUfYfaUfuKAJ7_nH-g2So2LWnH05SjBEu_0mt7jV8ZLvqR_sS5boeHqAgeI-18/s1600/192317846558253154_HbzOnF01_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrVPnCnaIbcotD4bvayPYhAJBxxyQ9sgIzzfxOgLIa402sBKvafH6zByFuBwiCCxHVLVuWVncjuVK85DUfYfaUfuKAJ7_nH-g2So2LWnH05SjBEu_0mt7jV8ZLvqR_sS5boeHqAgeI-18/s400/192317846558253154_HbzOnF01_b.jpg" width="265" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.spotsandstripes.com.au/">Spots and Stripes </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The natural elements in this space keep your eyes moving . Nothing looks as crisp as plants in an all white space. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_TtMwW5_d1jGjc36ZHdRsOUl_x3LA90lWnxQLWJpvQfH_B1QN0a5ctGLTbE-lZeDmEf2VSJFJnEzP_NEWI_oQeKVtaOfGh3ndzBEoYXgW79S8NA6teF9nbD351x0f9HkwDk05Fc4Q18a/s1600/118782508891393387_YE9AcRIH_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><b> Pillows</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7sHrWxScVmCW2BjqdgPg0lrkTZl6_Qiso27fMDVMAfitZERipB264ZGDqK8_wodzKj2Ps5qVpzU6vSgeVfbXjg54PcC-lXgQWC_RsArt8DyK-ixeeIE_0ykVin6QDZIp69UGggF81YS4/s1600/140456082098098252_7AVVHrOW_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7sHrWxScVmCW2BjqdgPg0lrkTZl6_Qiso27fMDVMAfitZERipB264ZGDqK8_wodzKj2Ps5qVpzU6vSgeVfbXjg54PcC-lXgQWC_RsArt8DyK-ixeeIE_0ykVin6QDZIp69UGggF81YS4/s400/140456082098098252_7AVVHrOW_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://purplearea.blogspot.ca/2010/07/bloomingville-autumnwinter-2010.html"> Purple area</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Never underestimate the power of  pillows to add interest to a blah space. This room goes from ordinary to inviting because of the pillows. The variety in size, shape and textures draws the eye.  Who know crocheted squares could look so good? The lushness of the pillows against the distressed headboard and simple bedclothes adds further interest. <br /><br /><b>Headboards</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXziJNLvEBB5iYuV6xLxVG6IW5cIupifulHlNy_-iPWoZG1o0gvIBNALC_V7YRz4qwV-CmmI3ZlZXi_mhlt_xOu95rNDrEX9QRmft6MyM6mSQOIRzERLgKlybZK9uVE5hlcdYPuqULDLy/s1600/144607838005426704_9UuEmdee_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXziJNLvEBB5iYuV6xLxVG6IW5cIupifulHlNy_-iPWoZG1o0gvIBNALC_V7YRz4qwV-CmmI3ZlZXi_mhlt_xOu95rNDrEX9QRmft6MyM6mSQOIRzERLgKlybZK9uVE5hlcdYPuqULDLy/s400/144607838005426704_9UuEmdee_b.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.oomphonline.com/luxury-designer-tables.html">oomph on line</a></div><br /> The inclusion of a headboard that mimics waves below the picture of the whale is striking. The bedding has a simple nautical feeling in blue and white.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwH3-p31jatZTnh53r25QGwAABKsK2odP3797gWsBMr2-MbXOMRTTGQSLZ5k__36VncdSk5NpzXqZCQqAnwjnZUyLkFDUPJH5mbw5EC3wsMFhyoEzudAcdxKPoQsMJFAYuM8_idBpMFuWP/s1600/171277592048327701_L51OeNgi_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwH3-p31jatZTnh53r25QGwAABKsK2odP3797gWsBMr2-MbXOMRTTGQSLZ5k__36VncdSk5NpzXqZCQqAnwjnZUyLkFDUPJH5mbw5EC3wsMFhyoEzudAcdxKPoQsMJFAYuM8_idBpMFuWP/s320/171277592048327701_L51OeNgi_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housetohome.co.uk/bedroom/picture/fresh-lilac-bedroom?room_style=modern"> house to home</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Something as simple as a painted strip behind a bed to act as a headboard can be very inviting. The repetition of lavender makes this a calm space. If you wanted to rev it up a little, magenta pillows would do the trick. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uqWb9SzDGrLeXqB4gI0Ohuv64jxkEnwulGVJ4Cla4Ygd3RIFeuqxdveFXbrXmXx8XKnxsRlNVGgs_cnvC43hNTEGgMbfEdMdeLV-tKKug5l7dvP8bv2qBOvS6-smam-91Un5Opt7UkyG/s1600/171277592048327701_L51OeNgi_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><br /><b>Lamps  </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6slZ6gI1fYC7tVecBn5X6oD5pXC7gtFQpYdvK2wWz2Y-otrvlYukeNmLFmejPjJa_X1PCK4nZ220lL6gu_6-Acf0nN4OZg6u-97hzihHpyga_CjrbZKJu2yCsLWUNm7w46CydSb2Dr28/s1600/162481499025717876_TCoYIJYG_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6slZ6gI1fYC7tVecBn5X6oD5pXC7gtFQpYdvK2wWz2Y-otrvlYukeNmLFmejPjJa_X1PCK4nZ220lL6gu_6-Acf0nN4OZg6u-97hzihHpyga_CjrbZKJu2yCsLWUNm7w46CydSb2Dr28/s400/162481499025717876_TCoYIJYG_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/home-office"> Houzz</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> The symmetrical placement of two lamps in this work space provides a frame for the asymmetrical  gold branch.  Your eye is led there by the gold chair.  The aqua stool creates variety in colour. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFWR0G_XjPkjVSndGIW6AeV1p42MOglc_C43Qok0RMq9oVyxB9lkdm-Sc-2nUimRo47PbcCSLe-IokHS_UHS0ZonP3bfpiDr1t7D0QOIa4jHJBBr6R9JqUGAD3JTInjIjbtwqmBlJUOYr/s1600/152489137352636984_3vl4isbR_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFWR0G_XjPkjVSndGIW6AeV1p42MOglc_C43Qok0RMq9oVyxB9lkdm-Sc-2nUimRo47PbcCSLe-IokHS_UHS0ZonP3bfpiDr1t7D0QOIa4jHJBBr6R9JqUGAD3JTInjIjbtwqmBlJUOYr/s400/152489137352636984_3vl4isbR_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://olofjakobina.blogspot.ca/"> Olofjakobina</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Lamps don't have to be huge to be effective.  The simple silver lamp fills the empty space above the art work. Remember lamps can do more than shed light.<br /><br /><b>Doors </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NXWhyphenhyphenkencYIV48pfnL5xWN_0CBT1Jt-0BWjvn1ZfgtxCyaCSRTCypd1HRA97Xs0l-HhllX0Pi-V-dLZrzHxLBL6yGXFNl8j0SaflTRu094Xl7OQjHB_XunKbyrysdS4tv68P6N9ZokJx/s1600/159948224235976311_lNNwxqqX_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NXWhyphenhyphenkencYIV48pfnL5xWN_0CBT1Jt-0BWjvn1ZfgtxCyaCSRTCypd1HRA97Xs0l-HhllX0Pi-V-dLZrzHxLBL6yGXFNl8j0SaflTRu094Xl7OQjHB_XunKbyrysdS4tv68P6N9ZokJx/s400/159948224235976311_lNNwxqqX_b.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.shopgramercy.com/2012/03/parade-of-pastels-interior-spaces.html">Gramercy fine linens and furnishings</a></div><br />Sometimes doors complete a room either through  interesting lines or colour.  These doors have both.

Small details, big impact

There are so many ways to create impact in a space.  Sometimes impact is created by  subtle additions of  colour, textures, or forms  or fea...

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Making Christmas Sparkle

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP709erbF7eXZIA6jQZRWBQj4zMmAJayBV5tzAZlaVW3bxTCOFOZ6mieCqmDWe60YsSFQ1GmrwToidVZ8LpgsqiRAowh1A8yQYe4kkGwebj0JTqynhfGzz7r5pstGZcxRC7tDdDPgDXlp/s1600/DSCN788066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Making Christmas sparkle is not a difficult task.  There's the little things you add to your home decor, there's music and family and friends. All you have to do is sit back and make enough time to actually enjoy it. It is too easy to get caught up in the frenzy of shopping and preparation.  I'm a fast forward kind of person, but lately I put the breaks on at Christmas, and make  every effort to notice all the small things. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhxX6HGV2MFDbctVKyEPwCMxd0sJbQptMbLEoV7rxeBY0GZZvfk69ewW3yUW4ennqsEotE2nqlYfNsptSlbwjp7rxr3nq85a1YZjCKSPh4t9dGJaosz6wOCp85sI5LQ1x9Ci_ZJUYRYXR/s1600/DSCN783966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhxX6HGV2MFDbctVKyEPwCMxd0sJbQptMbLEoV7rxeBY0GZZvfk69ewW3yUW4ennqsEotE2nqlYfNsptSlbwjp7rxr3nq85a1YZjCKSPh4t9dGJaosz6wOCp85sI5LQ1x9Ci_ZJUYRYXR/s320/DSCN783966.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the sparkle of light on an iridescent wreath; the contrast of shape and colours</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeKIM24QbG_vg3hr4vmkH7GKYKWXNlOha2DpBuvkTonDaJGceJOhrCKfD69Ndgil_6fFIHKjRMgCeephOHkTGVaX8F-MgvpBmEnjRD8hB32NE0HXqV04QfdMBGGiSh9eHCMeb13OJWpRI/s1600/DSCN784266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeKIM24QbG_vg3hr4vmkH7GKYKWXNlOha2DpBuvkTonDaJGceJOhrCKfD69Ndgil_6fFIHKjRMgCeephOHkTGVaX8F-MgvpBmEnjRD8hB32NE0HXqV04QfdMBGGiSh9eHCMeb13OJWpRI/s320/DSCN784266.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> pleasing colours in a gift from a friend who knows me well</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZam56L4kFKC9flNtY8it6gc5LUzLTlcyrfvudXbBRvczhIhf29SFOJYP3rUys3qgg0LzWHV0rWVB2sXnaEZ4VjWrzHaxzRs_8TV5m1sSRhqAxsdY91simNLTikmYXbfDJWAvU47oD12O/s1600/DSCN784366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZam56L4kFKC9flNtY8it6gc5LUzLTlcyrfvudXbBRvczhIhf29SFOJYP3rUys3qgg0LzWHV0rWVB2sXnaEZ4VjWrzHaxzRs_8TV5m1sSRhqAxsdY91simNLTikmYXbfDJWAvU47oD12O/s320/DSCN784366.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the reminders of great dinners with friends</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskxSNUtq4MY4WG966pO8j6ZjphOWf3iDkKx9qA_CAgR6j-7rOg65I5-xBDGFt38MzR-jaQNjIx3afuwnxnAsYCaqtQGr926R2cIU9nGcUOQilV9OlYLazeDSUrfjy-FPROeaULdh0w77o/s1600/DSCN784466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskxSNUtq4MY4WG966pO8j6ZjphOWf3iDkKx9qA_CAgR6j-7rOg65I5-xBDGFt38MzR-jaQNjIx3afuwnxnAsYCaqtQGr926R2cIU9nGcUOQilV9OlYLazeDSUrfjy-FPROeaULdh0w77o/s320/DSCN784466.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> a flower that inspired my first series in art</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOSZfo_6SvVU_xxB5gmpynuCKXV546pA3Z0t3H-6y5Uu_IQYSxuQgB6apztand2ix8gbXDuQzLr_cNk3D276BWSDdTeFLocJ77TlkyuL7qywI_ZTNloDot3Bse7m4ca_NyKaf8XCOb21p/s1600/DSCN784566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOSZfo_6SvVU_xxB5gmpynuCKXV546pA3Z0t3H-6y5Uu_IQYSxuQgB6apztand2ix8gbXDuQzLr_cNk3D276BWSDdTeFLocJ77TlkyuL7qywI_ZTNloDot3Bse7m4ca_NyKaf8XCOb21p/s320/DSCN784566.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">a  reminder of a trip to Ottawa where I actually got lost in an Ikea store<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBkSh1IT4yOTzXf1gu6cKCeJoQ4SzU50LwiKbejS_xU4NBFqZN4Hsrjxu1dCfqLGizK66i_PRRxZ4F21bRJafol2g-u6X0wA_MXZTS2w7ntAEvwrIZdZOIz51bVmKr7ryOyG1zxCWGOvs/s1600/DSCN788766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBkSh1IT4yOTzXf1gu6cKCeJoQ4SzU50LwiKbejS_xU4NBFqZN4Hsrjxu1dCfqLGizK66i_PRRxZ4F21bRJafol2g-u6X0wA_MXZTS2w7ntAEvwrIZdZOIz51bVmKr7ryOyG1zxCWGOvs/s320/DSCN788766.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">twigs from my daughter's garden<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTVKRaOkKyng3m2VmuydqXMxhOzz4LbJNJcN8jXJ7l-3uNyDuIW8Pi9FHvjr1IIAuuxrAoF9MnNWoGj9CGCNaUDsOGqy403mqP3Gwm_8JJ-PiUHF8itjfSvC76tpkHmWwVPNShV1OFbLl/s1600/DSCN784766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTVKRaOkKyng3m2VmuydqXMxhOzz4LbJNJcN8jXJ7l-3uNyDuIW8Pi9FHvjr1IIAuuxrAoF9MnNWoGj9CGCNaUDsOGqy403mqP3Gwm_8JJ-PiUHF8itjfSvC76tpkHmWwVPNShV1OFbLl/s320/DSCN784766.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">  the lamp I spent two years looking for, greenery from my garden, my husband's guitar he made  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1_0WCy6o5WxdEKxLxFFjlWfjaRrAY4E2xtk-RqTyohiDXdgi0ZMYPtuXxOHJZM70sLsNqW1kGNbkKbsGG-23DDFg7HCbJe2_QblNaFOY_0LAPnRt0FSP-ObQay1QI_Vxjt3D2ZIlO-_l/s1600/DSCN788866.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1_0WCy6o5WxdEKxLxFFjlWfjaRrAY4E2xtk-RqTyohiDXdgi0ZMYPtuXxOHJZM70sLsNqW1kGNbkKbsGG-23DDFg7HCbJe2_QblNaFOY_0LAPnRt0FSP-ObQay1QI_Vxjt3D2ZIlO-_l/s320/DSCN788866.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">music from my sister<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFsBTkt9uwjH8ugstVOyrRWUO4EOoxyC5LMRxMiONUHua2bn1mT4EpzefMo-ar_5zQSV0V5oO6PSwHEZ83UzAzcxdefmmXJE9tQ2eHRFyo8NqHnjaCvDASqZwYF4HhuxYbyfUrwEKPyNP/s1600/DSCN784866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFsBTkt9uwjH8ugstVOyrRWUO4EOoxyC5LMRxMiONUHua2bn1mT4EpzefMo-ar_5zQSV0V5oO6PSwHEZ83UzAzcxdefmmXJE9tQ2eHRFyo8NqHnjaCvDASqZwYF4HhuxYbyfUrwEKPyNP/s320/DSCN784866.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> a gift from a friend who has moved to the opposite side of Canada</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmcEjo3bvyHmR8z084ycpc3L7HMf0A_uVlHyuK-wYXLsTck8iA-vaYMmFM3_pnOWJARhgpmvyiv7lYBOPDnHXoSvp21WIugbycm7giqqP9pZCjAvXHGUVl_ZH8tFJI9-2MgXivP8uZccR/s1600/DSCN785566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmcEjo3bvyHmR8z084ycpc3L7HMf0A_uVlHyuK-wYXLsTck8iA-vaYMmFM3_pnOWJARhgpmvyiv7lYBOPDnHXoSvp21WIugbycm7giqqP9pZCjAvXHGUVl_ZH8tFJI9-2MgXivP8uZccR/s320/DSCN785566.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> finding small pieces of slate and turning them into unique Santas</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi789KnIJ_YW8SjesIKATOzl7z0eGCyotLm-L-KMLpSJCpGN5NYtr-7qOeXc9y0h2gI6dVQUd50tvWFVMZ-bJLDLRs_M66XaKu3rAbtzjWqHjS9ESahE6vDyzuZddmQlWgUhNtie-L2aQjs/s1600/DSCN786866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi789KnIJ_YW8SjesIKATOzl7z0eGCyotLm-L-KMLpSJCpGN5NYtr-7qOeXc9y0h2gI6dVQUd50tvWFVMZ-bJLDLRs_M66XaKu3rAbtzjWqHjS9ESahE6vDyzuZddmQlWgUhNtie-L2aQjs/s320/DSCN786866.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> my son's ornament collection one for every Christmas, laid out for his nieces to play with, the odd guy playing the guitar is a  <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2011/12/17/nl-mummers-parade-1217.html">mummer, part of Newfoundland tradition</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvdkC8BFROMASZLpXzoDmugsKhUgvt2OKnhx5qkzc58uSRsSVUwX0aXxTtyQeYcQDShCS6injVl3IzhxYjHtyRE0ZLxHAtJ78rpW382-espIqjVZH_t-sAd2zwj1PURriJ-XBoMpW-PP2/s1600/DSCN787066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-1f6BM1KWKXggBV7g_UwMavXHBmfYCRHVVeH7kpPF139Cnh9D5XwTpwQ3wiTGtB16lJwoo67bx5-Zz88YbRsPsWgxObzTMnfnMB19-1OMR_PElHFDqqTkb9HspEbgt8j4omIJ9N0BYlM/s1600/DSCN787166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-1f6BM1KWKXggBV7g_UwMavXHBmfYCRHVVeH7kpPF139Cnh9D5XwTpwQ3wiTGtB16lJwoo67bx5-Zz88YbRsPsWgxObzTMnfnMB19-1OMR_PElHFDqqTkb9HspEbgt8j4omIJ9N0BYlM/s320/DSCN787166.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">new  candles waiting for friends to arrive</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdsaJh_pTiUmOLK4-3R-zE-RHTwFDkWUyWhWhHYchYFTgBJFP4IfaZDidRh1ekYuNRQEpbInEovJ_7E0WMWlkV3h3pnIxRq8Cddqz3gjouaNYzaa_91dPTV_Fv1Bz3O-EAn6hIAF0_6Xt/s1600/DSCN787266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP709erbF7eXZIA6jQZRWBQj4zMmAJayBV5tzAZlaVW3bxTCOFOZ6mieCqmDWe60YsSFQ1GmrwToidVZ8LpgsqiRAowh1A8yQYe4kkGwebj0JTqynhfGzz7r5pstGZcxRC7tDdDPgDXlp/s1600/DSCN788066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP709erbF7eXZIA6jQZRWBQj4zMmAJayBV5tzAZlaVW3bxTCOFOZ6mieCqmDWe60YsSFQ1GmrwToidVZ8LpgsqiRAowh1A8yQYe4kkGwebj0JTqynhfGzz7r5pstGZcxRC7tDdDPgDXlp/s320/DSCN788066.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-IVugP4BTum1ZaZQJp-kI4CLd-6ECmWDEy9mfIh6T6rrZmf0d3AZfh6fLlneVZO6c_1HqWB1W7FBE7fKH2jALT9JPYmRPRmS7glAYtGP3nEHqwhnysLHtKgP9u7zNtbz0LRRfTSKMDpp/s1600/DSCN787466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnp5dZ_R6lIYNB0zi8iTwHAs22Y5dyFMgU2rh_YJfdPFi5rwdaY763_jguFNgv4QtCAT-byqgyZvENS82wBpamiPbfgAJgyY5bDiatohiZVkUgknFCFGmC44pHIbWRyS9l0ch2W2caRzo/s1600/DSCN787966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnp5dZ_R6lIYNB0zi8iTwHAs22Y5dyFMgU2rh_YJfdPFi5rwdaY763_jguFNgv4QtCAT-byqgyZvENS82wBpamiPbfgAJgyY5bDiatohiZVkUgknFCFGmC44pHIbWRyS9l0ch2W2caRzo/s320/DSCN787966.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2XEB6Ds57sIybNZ2hc00b7pnboPIol3xb29X6a_fZIEK9YGUSTo9sOUR8AkpMnBwU8ckaIf-Koop3V4GmiBmj7eQLp6ozGoTs82SRR3vQ5v1krk9D9WaFhg7dgZrRdNCnI6JaZfr6OGk/s1600/DSCN788666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2XEB6Ds57sIybNZ2hc00b7pnboPIol3xb29X6a_fZIEK9YGUSTo9sOUR8AkpMnBwU8ckaIf-Koop3V4GmiBmj7eQLp6ozGoTs82SRR3vQ5v1krk9D9WaFhg7dgZrRdNCnI6JaZfr6OGk/s320/DSCN788666.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my granddaughters</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/AVvXsEgEVddzXH9U-TA9Mpp3phjd8Jq7AUUQlMo0NttTrlwSvntXW89kCWOZ6Pjwwp5fBkQs3DPx-fVtQOPpSiAHjNzuZPVaYRCmRob0FYqEDfidS9rKChdswBw1MQUzt7ARBneQxeAKyPe4aWH3/s1600/DSCN789066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVddzXH9U-TA9Mpp3phjd8Jq7AUUQlMo0NttTrlwSvntXW89kCWOZ6Pjwwp5fBkQs3DPx-fVtQOPpSiAHjNzuZPVaYRCmRob0FYqEDfidS9rKChdswBw1MQUzt7ARBneQxeAKyPe4aWH3/s320/DSCN789066.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">grimy fingerprints</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmnjSmMEUowB0B3kw15PJ6cLDrrF2yaWCH0iz-KyaIf_gYnYaLCGbwz7Bo6OshVEO_0ynI-dJ8YHkF7HKsL0zRiIePHftfSWqnzatunWPUTnNkGf4E7Ha89UXKviYv6-oTHxTJBn6od8R/s1600/DSCN787566.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmnjSmMEUowB0B3kw15PJ6cLDrrF2yaWCH0iz-KyaIf_gYnYaLCGbwz7Bo6OshVEO_0ynI-dJ8YHkF7HKsL0zRiIePHftfSWqnzatunWPUTnNkGf4E7Ha89UXKviYv6-oTHxTJBn6od8R/s320/DSCN787566.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">and even the snow falling outside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnp5dZ_R6lIYNB0zi8iTwHAs22Y5dyFMgU2rh_YJfdPFi5rwdaY763_jguFNgv4QtCAT-byqgyZvENS82wBpamiPbfgAJgyY5bDiatohiZVkUgknFCFGmC44pHIbWRyS9l0ch2W2caRzo/s1600/DSCN787966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">What puts sparkle in your Christmas?</div>

Making Christmas Sparkle

Making Christmas sparkle is not a difficult task.  There's the little things you add to your home decor, there's music and family an...

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Thursday Tip #6- simple centerpieces

Keep it simple...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5z_DmxputhChknUw5d3eqOMdM6-wpOfVlmS0b7q0T_bRlSu-VTLHKObuhGT7M8s-Dp8tYDmE_ArPi702w9SbAf1MGc4u9h73_FXw0scBXXJSbMDvNoZeBTGeajgv0VkZaST45QmfWlfDN/s1600/p_101577063+Better+hg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5z_DmxputhChknUw5d3eqOMdM6-wpOfVlmS0b7q0T_bRlSu-VTLHKObuhGT7M8s-Dp8tYDmE_ArPi702w9SbAf1MGc4u9h73_FXw0scBXXJSbMDvNoZeBTGeajgv0VkZaST45QmfWlfDN/s320/p_101577063+Better+hg.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRX_6LfsYUgLM4w7x1Np6xQxVpEcj16TKXSJmmYEBLsp7_rH2WmoVpxY1rGAyZtNMUoHvHzAE2npL3akAvpWRtGyKx6l8kw8S8vJK1e9H5bg-29Mjkfpyto1b5vczoZKmyObJbQJn8pgJ/s1600/p_BHG152397bhg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRX_6LfsYUgLM4w7x1Np6xQxVpEcj16TKXSJmmYEBLsp7_rH2WmoVpxY1rGAyZtNMUoHvHzAE2npL3akAvpWRtGyKx6l8kw8S8vJK1e9H5bg-29Mjkfpyto1b5vczoZKmyObJbQJn8pgJ/s320/p_BHG152397bhg.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Dinner parties can stress the budget.  I like to have simple arrangements for the table and that usually involves fresh flowers .  Rather than large bouquets which are tall and obstruct views, think about simple ways to use flowers or leaves in a repetition.<br /><br />Hosta leaves are one of my favourites and I have lots to choose from in my garden.  I love the idea of massing different sizes and shapes of glasses/vases and submerging separate leaves in each one.  <br />The sunflower is a great choice for fall entertaining. If you don't have access to fresh sunflowers, there are realistic looking  artificial ones. The arrangement above works because of the meandering wave and colour variety.

Thursday Tip #6- simple centerpieces

Keep it simple... Dinner parties can stress the budget.  I like to have simple arrangements for the table and that usually involves fresh fl...

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