Be Inspired No. 94 - Pin Down the Brooch

For centuries brooches have been used to communicate class status, religion, martial status or hidden desires. But some were worn to convey a sense of personality and identity - not different from our jewelry choices today. Statement necklaces aren't called statements for no reason.

Jewelry is part of our fashion statement to the world around us. While one might follow fashion trends there is always an individual's interpretation of that trend.

Though brooches were originally designed as a functional embellishment, their purpose quickly evolved into a statement.

I'm loving how brooches enhance a sweater with buttons or replace the buttons on that sweater. A sweater is just a sweater until the wearer decides to make it theirs. It's called editing. Improve and polish the look.

Then there is the artist, the creator, the visionary. Who takes a memory and says, "how can I honor the history of this vintage piece whilst writing another page of that history?"

Embellishment is a tricky thing. There is a fine line between beautiful and tacky. One would be well off to remember this whether creating a fashion statement that portrays a message or designing the home. 

Simplistic, yet beautiful. Embellishing classic ivory candles with a bit of string is such a pretty add to a lux glam look. I'm loving the juxtaposition of the elegance of these brooches to the rustic tin candle holders and rawhide they hang from. 

Speak with a proud shoulder nod or with a "crown" on your head. Brooches are at home as a single item or a cluster of well-chosen pieces. Have fun! Play with the look and then wear it with confidence. Or let your room shine with just the right touch of bauble.

Whether this inspires you to dig into your grandmother's jewelry box or be on the lookout during your flea market road trips I would suggest you don't have their final placement in mind. Acquire them because of the memory they hold for you or the goose bumps you feel when you see it tucked away in that seller's booth.

Then there will be the classics that take very little thought to what brooch will pair best with. You know what I'm talking about. That well-worn denim jacket that lays on the back seat of your mini cooper for a quick grab when the evening brings a chill. Or that favorite cap that is our best friend on a bad hair day. These are the items in our closets that have been waiting for their brooch art.

Adding brooches to our fashion accessories is one of those embellishments that looks like it was the reason we are running late, yet it was so simple. You know the things in our wardrobe choices that have us replying to a compliment with "oh, this old thing!

And if your brooch collection is one that shouldn't be stashed in a drawer until you wear the perfect outfit there is always a lamp shade that is calling for your statement!

Something borrowed, something blue, and a six pence in her shoe. Keep in mind that the something old and something new can create a beautiful combination. The brooches can be vintage and at the same time create new memories.

Besides the story of how one acquired a brooch whose design includes an animal, the animal brooch can also symbolize a specific meaning. The wearing of a bee brooch can symbolize a strong network of unconditional love and support. And some think it brings good luck, wealth and abundance to the person wearing it.  

The spider brooch is said to mean mystery and growth. And the wearing of a butterfly means rebirth, life, freedom, transformation, and hope. Past, present and future are symbolized with a three rings brooch.

Your creativity is limitless. Now let's get to rummaging through those jewelry drawers, go visit Grandma and hit up your favorite markets. Brooches are at the top of your list this weekend!

 

Sources: Art UK, Modenus Media, Millenial-Me, BuzzFeed, Bed Knobs and Baubles, The Great Frog, Forger Design, Wendy Baker Design, Brenda Kinsel, Pinterest

RSVP Collection No. 59 - Thirsty for Cucumber Drinks

"Lie in the sunshine, daydream about the life you would lead if failure wasn't a thing.

Open your eyes, take small steps to make it happen for you."

Capturing a moment isn't perchance. If we are creating an environment where moments are welcome - we experience the best ones! Summer time seems to beckon for these moments. Whether it is porch life, beach life, or that thirty minutes we give ourselves to just be. 

It is a perfect time to take what the earth produces during the summer days and enjoy it as part of the stage we set to watch for the moments. Let's explore cucumbers! 

Cucumber Giblet

4-5 English cucumbers, 1" chunks + more for garnish

2 oz. gin or vodka

1 oz. fresh lime juice

1-2  teaspoon Simple Syrup or honey

1 1/2 oz. Club Soda

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber chunks until completely smashed.

2. Add gin or vodka, lime juice and simple syrup or honey.

3. Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously until chilled. 

4. Adjust sweetener with additional simple syrup or honey as needed.

5. Strain drink into a rocks glass filled with ice.

6. Top with club soda. 

7. Garnish with skewered cucumber ribbons.

8. To Summer living!

To make a cucumber ribbon, use a vegetable peeler to peel lengthwise down the cucumber, you'll need to make a few peels until you get a nice thick peel from the center of the cucumber. Fold the cucumber ribbon back and forth into a accordion, then skewer with a cocktail skewer or toothpick.

Grapefruit Gin Fizz Cocktail with Cucumber

3 oz. gin

6 oz. grapefruit juice

4 oz. seltzer water

4 slices cucumber

2 Rosemary sprigs and grapefruit slices for garnish

1. In a cocktail shaker combine gin, grapefruit juice and ice cubes.

2. Shake well and strain into two glasses.

3. Top with seltzer water

4. Garnish with cucumber slices, grapefruit slices and rosemary sprigs.

5. Enjoy!

Watermelon Cucumber Cocktail

4 oz. Cucumber vodka

4 1-inch cubes of seedless watermelon

2 limes, diced

2 oz. simply syrup

For Garnish

Lime rim - equal amounts salt & sugar combined with fresh grated lime

2 watermelon slices

2 cucumber slices

2 small mint sprigs

1. Combine vodka, watermelon and lime in a cocktail shaker. Muddle all ingredients well.

2. Add simple syrup, fill with ice, cover and shake until ice cold.

3. Rim the glasses with a cut lime and dip in the lime rim mixture.

4. Fill the glasses with ice and pour the ingredients from the shaker into the glasses.

5. Garnish with a watermelon slice, a cucumber slice and a mint sprig. 

6. Cheers!

Spicy Cucumber Kiwi Jalapeno Margarita

for the juice

2 seedless cucumbers, peeled

2 kiwi, peeled 

1/4 c. agave syrup

1/2 c. lime juice, fresh squeezed

for the infused tequila

1 1/2 c. tequila

1 jalapeno, quartered

for the rim

1 tablespoon tajin

1/2 tablespoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon sugar

lime wedges

for the garnish

Slice of cucumber

Slice of lime

Slice of kiwi

1. In a blender, combine the cucumber, kiwi, agave and lime juice.

2. Blend on high until mixture is completely smooth. 

3. Place a fine mesh sieve over a glass measuring cup or bowl and pour the cucumber mixture through the sieve.

4. Use a spoon to mash down on the solids to extract every bit of juice from the pulp. You should have about 2 cups of juice. Cover and chill.

5. In a glass jar add the jalapeno and cover with tequila. Cover and refrigerate until chilled 2-4 hours, the longer it steeps the spicier it gets.

for each margarita

1. Combine the tajin, salt and sugar in a shallow bowl. Run the wedge of lime around the rim of the glasses. Dip the rims into the tajin mixture until it clings to the glass.

2. In a cocktail shaker add ice, 3 oz. tequila and 2 oz. of juice. Shake well and pour into glasses with a little ice. Garnish.

3. Salud!

Now go lie in the sunshine, daydream and enjoy your cucumber cocktail!

Sources: Zesty Kitchen, Creative Culinary, Garlic & Zest, Love to Know, Sixteen Small Steps to Happiness.

Be Inspired No. 11 - Leather Walls

Sometimes when we are designing a space the walls are left to a simple paint choice. Emphasis is put on the space plan and then the fabrics, textures, finishes, and color of the furnishings. These are definitely important elements of a well-designed space. And the wall color plays a part in bringing it all together. However, I believe that texture is also a priority for the walls.

Be inspired to think textile for the wall, namely leather or a great faux leather.

Leather walls are clever, seductive, and embracing. Be inspired to explore this option for your room design. Just be careful with the selection - make it timeless. Be careful with the color - make it classic. Be careful with the amount of wall - make it a great partnership between leather and wood mouldings or function in place of wood. 

The leather wall takes precise planning. There is pattern match, panel size and layout that are all factors in a leather wall design. Use a top quality leather or faux leather and a top notch installer. This is an investment just like the rest of the furnishings in your room make a wise one. Leather walls are not a trendy temporary addition to a room design. Plan carefully.

Now you have all the warnings and recommended precautions and you've made the decision to go for it! Now have fun with it. Pull all the swatches and finishes for the space and select a great leather or faux leather, draw out the pattern and placement and consider adding nailhead to your plan.

Let your walls speak, like leather bound books, let them tell a story.

Speaking of walls, be inspired.

Sources: Spinneybeck, David Linley, Jarvis Studio, Embassy Row Hotel-Washington, DC, Plumetis Magazine

Rethinking the Look of Things No. 65 - Tattoos

If my kids saw my browser search history lately they might get a bit worried about Mom because the word "tattoo" would show up in excess. Ever since I came across the Dan Gold tattooed leather chair (see my blogpost "Gotta Love No. 56 - Skulls & Tattoos") I've been distracted by the idea of tattooed leather home decor. Just how could this be tastefully integrated into high end design? Well, hello my fellow idealists! 

Meet P. Tendercool, a bespoke handmade furniture company that tattooed the leatherback of one of their side chairs with inked serpentes. Go ahead and stare, I know I did. Then I thought let's take that idea and transform some so-so leather toss pillows with some ink. A leather round bolster is the perfect canvas for the art of a tattooist. 

Meet Oliver Sweeney, a tattooist who takes the canvas of British men's shoemakers and tells a story in tattoo art on the leather finery. What more perfect shoe for the groom than a pair that boosts a tattoo that says "My most brilliant achievement was my ability to persuade my wife to marry me". Love the shoe. Translation to our home - forget the black and white typographic wall hanging - put this bit of sweetness on a tattooed leather kidney pillow and add it to the favorite chair.

And Oliver Sweeney's custom Ben & Jerry's tattooed flavor list? Totally need tattooed on a leather barstool in the kitchen. Then how about your favorite drink recipes tattooed on the inside backs of leather barstools at your home bar? Yes!

Just how far will one go? I mean one either has no tattoos but stares in wonder at them. (Ahem, that's me!) Or one dips their toes in the tattoo pool and gets a small one tucked in a secret spot. Or there are the ones that jump full body into the art of tattoo. In home design - let's keep it a toe dipper version. Tattoo art in home design - less is more in this blogger's opinion.

Meet Article.com who handed over a leather ottoman to their local tattooist and received back a convo piece for the home. 

The stunning art of embossed leather has been an element in home design - let's shift and rethink the look of things and consider tattooed leather elements in our home.

Once you start rethinking the look of things - in this case tattoos in home design - it blows your mind. Ponder, delight in the possibilities, and then reign it all in and choose wisely. 

Sources: P. Tendercool, Article.com, Oliver Sweeney, Gessato, Red Bubble, Neiman Marcus, Etsy, The Fuller View

Rethinking the Look of Things No. 64 - Redefining the Easel

The easel, a word derived from the German language, is defined as a self supporting wooden frame for holding an artist's work. I'd like to redefine the easel as anything that supports art in our home. So it could be an actual easel or let's rethink it.

I love the use of a furniture piece as an redefined easel. This furniture piece can be one that the actual art is propped onto or; how about sitting beneath it,  supporting the art without even touching it? 

A bookshelf that supports the art piece inside or outside its shelving is brilliant! There is something about art being displayed in a manner other than just hanging it on the wall because it brings all the colors of the room together. Reconsider that art piece truly being unique by rethinking where it is placed. Think actual easel or think the definition of easel and find a supporting piece that holds the artist's work.

Interestingly, the word easel is a synonym for donkey. The beast of burden. Like a fine wine pairing, the art and its "easel" must be carefully thought out. Just as the artist studies his blank canvas on the easel so must the art owner study the perfect perch. Is it a settee? Is it a console table? Is it a chair? The supporting "frame" that hold the art has a burden to partner, but not steal the show.

Whatever you choose to support your art piece it almost becomes the period at the end of the sentence of meaning of the art. Or the exclamation point! The supporting role piece provides the quiet completion of the art.  

When one chooses to prop a art piece it provides for an interchanging of favorite art pieces of the same size. Allowing one to enjoy a "new" art piece up close and set apart for a time and then another holds its spot to start the process all over again.

How will you rethink the easel for your art piece? Be inspired!

Sources: Home Bunch, Remodelista, Room for Tuesday, Rustic Chic, Vicente Wolf, Veranda, Tumblr, Apartment Therapy, Domino, House Beautiful, Pinterest, Etsy