Banish January blues with delicate patterns. This is the time of year when light and dainty works best. Add air and light to dull surfaces inside by mimicking the bright intricacy of snowflake patterns found outside. It’s a little trick-of-the-trade to steal design tips from Mother Nature, but–after all–she knows Read more…
Carnival season in New Orleans has already started. Officially, it begins on Twelfth Night, right after the 12 days of Christmas, and ends on Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is called Fat Tuesday because, like many other religions, it is the great feast before the fast. The next day, on Ash Read more…
The weather has turned chilly, faded leaves swirl on the ground, and Americans are fondly picturing the Thanksgiving feast while they turn up their coat collars. I usually think about what to put out with the turkey and cranberries around this time and, more importantly, what to do with the Read more…
Radios were the stuff of legends. A small, portable box that allowed you to hear people you couldn’t see revolutionized the world. Mass communication, public service, reduced isolation, bridging cultural gaps, saving lives at sea… The possibilities were endless. Many even believed the radio would bring world peace. Beginning with Read more…
Recently the painters were working in my bathroom, a black and white tiled affair from the 1930’s. As they were putting down the usual white base layer, I was debating about what color I wanted. How does a girl add a little modern deco touch to black and white tiling? Read more…
Working in a botanical garden, I get to read lots of charming books I might not run across elsewhere. After writing this little review for our library, I was inspired to design some patterns suitable for book covers that reflected the feel of old books while retaining all the Read more…