Flowers for the Soul

This quote by Hans Christian Anderson, says it all:

"Just living is not enough...

one must have sunshine,

freedom,

and a little flower"

That's how I feel about interior design as well.

I adore floral prints, especially in soft shades of blue and white.

And I believe a home looks magical and romantic when adorned in flowers.

I have designed over 160 so far, and each new design becomes my new favorite!

I started out designing just for myself, to decorate my little Cape Cod cottage in colors and patterns I wanted, but couldnt find on the open market.

Now its become an obsession!

Here are a few photos I took recently of some of my fabrics I have had printed on the linen-cotton canvas, quilting cotton or heavy cotton canvas, available at Spoonflower.

I plan on sewing them up into soft furnishings for the home this fall/winter, and offering them up for sale through my ETSY shop, Lilyoake.

So, stay tuned!

My Love of Roses

"Won't you come into the Garden?
I would like my roses to see you..."
                        Richard Brinsley Sheridan

I took advantage of the late summer sun on the patio and took some photos of my roses fabrics.
I have designed so many, I had to limit my choice to a few, but in my Spoonflower shop, Lilyoake, I have nearly 170 fabrics.  Most of them feature roses.
I think I have an addiction!!

Trying a Different Approach!

Its so hard to start a small business these days - loans are few and far between, unless you have a friend or relative who offer a loan to you.

I had a friend offer me one, but she wanted 10% interest back on it, which I just could not afford!

(especially when I worked all last year on digging out of debt!)

So I decided to try this route: Kickstarter.

Hey, if a guy can get $45,000 pledged for wanting to make a potato salad, then I might have a shot at getting backers to help me in my endeavors to design home accessories/tea towels/sachets/pillows/aprons, etc., using my own fabric designs.

If you know of any philanthropists who might be willing to pitch in to help a small business get off the ground, I'd so appreciate you sending my link on to them!

Have a great day everyone!

Bringing Beauty to Everyday Life

Summer Flowers on Blue and White

"The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose."

   (George William Curtis)

Setting up for Tea

I am thinking its nearly time for a tea party again!

While the summer flowes are blooming and its mild enough to either sit outside or at least with the top of the Dutch door open, I should invite some friends over and serve up some hot, liquid gold, strawberry cake and halibut mousse croissant sandwiches!