What I'm reading now

Maybe it's the growing lists of stuff that my children are making that makes me want to re-read Sarah Susanka's "the not so big life". Simplify, prioritze, compromise.

I love how Sarah connects the process of renovating or designing a house to that of re-designing your life.

Enjoy but make sure you have lots of time to reflect because this book will make you think.

Field Trip :: Cindy Bateman Antiques & Decoration

Don't you just love it when you stumble on a great new resource? That's what happened last week when I decided to pop into a new shop one town north of me. I was rewarded with meeting Virginia transplant, Cindy Bateman.

Not only does Cinday have a great eye for antiques and home goods, but she is a master decorative painter too. This is one of her faux bois designs on a table top.

The shop is a great mix of antiques and new accessories.

These rope napkin rings would make a great hostess gift.

 

I love a guy who can rock a sequin bag!

One of my favorites. These oyster shell votives are locally made.

If you are in the Severna Park or Annapolis area, stop by to meet Cindy and check out the shop.
Cindy Bateman Antiques & Decoration is located at 540 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd in Severna Park.

What do Flowers, Fish & Swimwear have in Common?

Me! I'm thrilled to be working with SnapperRock UV50+ Swimwear on some exclusive designs. The samples are here and they couldn't be cuter. What fun! Check out a few pics from the newest catalogue. Look for these suits in stores this spring.

 

Thanks to the Snapperrock girls! I'm looking forward to next year.

 

You Know You're a Pumpkin Addict When...

.....you spend 20 minutes discussing pumpkin-related food and recipes with the check out guy at Trader Joes! They have a pumpkin ice cream that is out of this world and when you add spiced pecans on top....Yum.

via Pinterest

I've been in a pumpkin state of mind. We are on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin soup recipe. The best I've ever had was at the Bitter End Yacht Club in the BVI and I've been trying to re-create it ever since. So far my fav is actually a butternut squash soup with a touch of curry.

Next up....pumpkin cheesecake.

via Pinterest

We hit the pumpkin patch this weekend and I whipped up some deep pumpkin-colored velvet pillows for the sofa.


via pinterest

All I need now is a pair of these....

Enjoy your week!

Field Trip:: Kevin Fitzgerald's Studio

 

It's not often that you get to meet someone you really admire and it's a rare treat to get an invitation to a professional artist's studio. I recently had the fortune to do both when I spent the day with the incredibly talented painter, Kevin Fitzgerald. I've followed (and coveted) Kevin's work for years and several clients were lucky enough to add his paintings to their collections.

 

If you've ever seen Fitgerald's paintings then you know how talented he is (and if you haven't - go look right now). What you may not know is that he is also incredibly kind, affable and completely willing to talk about his passion and his process.

 

The paintings are compelling. Often large scale, the sense of calm, light and serenity draw you in. It's the suggestion of a path in the landscape or a wave breaking in a waterscape that evoke feelings of peace, thoughtfulness and excitement about what's just beyond the canvas.

It's the studio that really gives the sense of energy and personality. I love a good, unruly artist's studio. Piles of paint and discarded canvas, works in various states of completion...it's inspiration on top of inspiration.

A huge thank you to Mr. Fitzgerald for being so generous with his time. I love connecting with artists and creative people. In fact it's one of the best things about my job.I came home with a new sense of encouragement and energy. I will make time for my sketchbook and paints...I will make time...

To see more of Kevin's work in person please visit the Waters Edge Gallery in Berlin, The Main Street Gallery in Annapolis or on his web site here. There is also a great, short documetary film here which captures a glimpse into the work and the man.

 

Hope you find something that inspires you this week!

Sticks & Stones

A peek at what's on my drawing board for Fall

Making Waves for Fall

Introducing WAVE

Available in upholstery-weight for Fall, 2012

Inspired by the beautiful black sand beaches of New Zealand and water everywhere

WAVE/ navy



WAVE/ silver

WAVE/ chocolate

Organic, gentle and almost animal print-like, WAVE coordinates well with other patterns in the line including STARDUST and BURST.
Imagine the possibilities....

Inspired by:: Hinckley

Sunset, Speed and a Picnic Boat

I had the opportunity of the summer last night driving a brand new Hinckley T31 for a video shoot. My girls came along for the ride. What a total blast!

If you've never experienced a Hinckley Picnic Boat, then you haven't seen the epitome of maritime style. This boat is luxury and high design on the water. And it is fast and fun. Did I mention it's fast? I was asked to do circles at full speed around the video boat. Well OK - If I must!

The wood is gleaming and the upholstery is beautiful and understated. The whole thing is like a little jewel box.

This is me ...

Driving this

Only I imagine we looked more thike this!

Thanks Peter and the Hinckley team!

Road Trip! Mill Visit

I had the chance to spend a little time at Griswold Textile Print last week. We are working on test prints for upholstery weight fabrics. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I'll be in good company too. Griswold produces for some of the best known designers out there. I would drop names --but that would be rude, wouldn't it?

I was absolutely charmed by the building itself. The huge brick building has been home to Griswold for more than 70 years.

Miles and miles of screening tables! Fabric is hand-screened by artisans down these 50-foot long tables, one screen at a time.

Buckets of lovely custom colors waiting for their turn on the tables.

Stay tuned for upholstery weight fabrics!

More Swimwear Sneak Peeks

Here's a gorgeous shot of the hibiscus design I didi for a Snapper Rock bikini and one piece. Can't wait to get my girls into these!

Swimwear Collaboration!

I've been bursting to tell you about my latest collaboration! This one with Snapper Rock UV50+ Children's Swimwear. Snapper Rock will be introducing two exclusive designs for their latest line. One is a hibiscus print for girls and the other is a version of my "school o' fish" design on boys board shorts. The suits are just adorable! I'll share photos soon....stay tuned.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                   

July 9, 2012

  

FISH AND FLOWERS CREATE BEAUTIFUL SWIM WEAR

Snapper Rock’s first exclusive designs from Victoria Larson Textiles

ANNAPOLIS, MD: What happens when you combine fish, flowers and swimwear? Pure magic - especially when it comes to Snapper Rock’s latest introductions for their 2012-13 children’s swimwear line.

Textile Designer Victoria Larson has teamed with Snapper Rock founder Liz Eglinton (Auckland, NZ) and Director of Sales, Julie Rich (Annapolis, MD) to bring her unique and exclusive designs to their children’s swimwear line, including School O’ Fish boardies for the boys and Hibiscus suits for the girls.

Larson, based in Annapolis, Maryland, is known for her whimsical and bold designs on fabrics for the home. She launched her eponymous line, Victoria-Larson Textiles, in 2011.  “I jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with Snapper Rock. My children inherited my fair skin so I always kept them covered in Snapper Rock,” says Larson.  After living in Auckland, NZ, with her family where the sun is intense, “I learned a lot about sun smarts, plus I’m a skin cancer survivor, so sun protection for my family is a priority”!

“Victoria’s designs really suited our style,” says Eglinton, the line’s Founder. “Our line is protective first but we make sure that our designs are fun and stylish – something that children want to wear. We love the idea of having prints that are all our own and you won’t see them on any other suit.”

The current collection is the culmination of the Victoria’s adventures and Snapper Rocks visions. The full collection can be viewed at www.victoria-larson.com.

Snapper Rock Swim Wear originated in New Zealand and has become one of the world’s leading protective swim-wear brands for children newborn to 12+ years old. Snapper Rock is stylish with patterns that include baby one-piece sun suits, girls swim sets, board shorts, rash tops, kaftans and hats. Snapper Rock has become a lifestyle that all kids love!

Visit the website http://www.snapperrock.com to see the schedule of upcoming trade shows and be the first to see the fantastic new collection of swimwear, after sun wear and accessories.

CONTACT:

Julie Rich, Director of Sales / Snapper Rock                                      Julie@snapperrock.com

410. 280.2364

OR

Liz Eglinton, Founder/ Snapper Rock                                                liz@snapperrock.com

+64 211 311 757 

Happy Father's Day

"A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way."

Author: Unknown

Thanks for being our anchor. Happy Father's Day to a fantastic dad.

xo