Like so many of you, I'm sure, I love chinoiserie. I am an avid reader of blogs like Chinoiserie Chic and The Pink Pagoda, where I read about the artist Kerry Steele. She's been featured on both blogs many times. Kerry is a self-taught artist with a wonderful sense of color and movement.

I love her fabrics on Spoonflower as much as I love her paintings. I stumbled across them when looking for fabric for a tablecloth at my daughter's second birthday party. Happy accident. Kerry uses pattern in a fun, unexpected way.

This one might be my favorite. Look closely, those are tiny pagoda polka dots!  I love that!

 

These fabrics might make an appearance in Perry Wade's projects soon, maybe even for a special little project close to home!

 Check out Kerry's website for her portfolio and works, and visit Spoonflower for her fabrics.

Finds: Arte et Manufacture

I have a love affair with ceramics. I also love anything blue and white (and anything green, but that's a different post). I nearly fell out of my chair when I came across Arte et Manufacture on Etsy. Unique ceramics with a gorgeous blue and white pattern? Yes, please. Each piece is made by Edith, a potter based in Canada.

The handmade plates would make a beautiful group display behind a breakfast nook settee.

Much like these plate gallery walls:

Any of the pieces, especially the tarte plate, espresso cups, and the oil and vinegar vessels, would make excellent gifts. These might make their way to a few weddings I have coming up this fall.

All photos are on my Pinterest (I've even created a new Ceramics and Pottery board), or on the Arte et Manufacture site.

Thinking About Mantels

Fireplace mantels are on my mind these days. Two years after our big renovation, we are starting to tackle some of the smaller projects that we pushed aside. One of these projects is installing a fireplace mantel. I'm drawing design plans for the trim carpenter this week. These are giving me some inspiration for the piece.

And then this one gives me pause.  How lovely and clean is this room sans a mantel?