Family Talent

What a talented family I have. Full of artists, writers, musicians and more. Yeah, sometimes I feel inferior but mostly I'm just so proud to be in such good company.



This morning my daughter-in-law, Pamela, has launched a new website featuring her interior design business Annarella Home. Yes, she was my partner in the store, Annarella. All the interior design, accessories and furniture were her speciality. She loved clean lines, durability and classic enduring pieces in the interiors she created. Since the store, Annarella, has closed she's been quietly building her business through word of mouth from satisfied customers. Now she is ready to grow and share her talents through this new website.





The pictures are beautiful!! I love her sensibility - tranquil and serene with an emphasis on functionality and livability. Each room is a jewel, spotlighting color and texture. Her designs are not stiff or stuffy. I always have the feeling being comfortable in her spaces.

What more can I say. Pamela is talented, hard working and responsive to all her clients needs and likes. Pass the word along. Click on her website and be prepared to enjoy. Visit it often as she is constantly adding new pics of her projects. Wait until you see the baby nursery she's currently working on.

The Exchange at Annarella

File this under "you can't keep a good woman down."

For 9 years Pamela and I birthed, raised and then released Annarella. It was a great ride but it had to be closed. Now Pamela and 2 partners, Angie and Carly, are embarking on a new adventure. Meet The Exchange at Annarella - a design and consign boutique.

This is so exciting! An upscale consignment store for women's clothing, jewelry, personal accessories, home accessories and furniture. An opportunity to recycle and renew your closet and your home.

Along with the consignment component Pamela will continue to offer her design expertise in Annarella Home Studio. Currently she has several small continuing projects and is finishing up a project for the NARI tour. Go to website and click on image for tour. Her house is the one in downtown Georgetown.

So when you need design services Pamela will still be around and keeping everyone in style and comfort.

Lastly Annarella Girl will have a home at the Exchange. I'm excited to be part of this new concept and space which will be a totally unique mix of new and gently used items displayed and cared for in the Annarella way. I'm the first independent handmade business to be invited to have a presence ay the Exchange. Yhanks Pamela, Amgie and Carly.

Happy Birthday to Me

Guess what...this is my 100th blog. So it is my blog birthday.

When I started, this blog was going to be a window into the business of Annarella. Well, we've come a long way, baby. Annarella has closed. Pamela Skross is now solo with her business, Annarella Home Design Studio. Her physical space is still at 800 S Austin Ave in downtown Georgetown. For now she keeps all her samples and books in the same small design studio space just off the atrium. She also caretakes the atrium keeping it a calm and comfortable space to relax and talk. She is keeping busy with a variety of projects. Without any prejudice I recommend her as the best designer in central Texas and beyond. Call her, email, or check out the design section of Annarella online.

As you all know I've started Annarella Girl, a clothing line for babies to girls. I make limited edition and special order dresses and skirts. Check out my etsy page. This blog has becomes mostly about the development of this business as I work my way through the decisions of both the business and the design process. Occasionally family sneaks in. And more often I still support artists whose work I admire and love.

I wonder where I'll be in my evolution by blog 200. My life and my business have changed radically in the last year, and my forcast is that it will change more in the following year. Thanks for visiting with me. I hope you all will keep coming back. Rarely does anybody make comments, but when I'm out and about I'm always surprised by the nimber of people who tell me they read the blog. So I'll keep posting about Annarella Girl and everything else that catches my attention and I want to share.

Happy Birthday to me!!!!

New from my studio

I love what I'm doing. Putting together different prints and colors for each dress or skirt. Each grouping has its own personality. Creating simple patterns which are easy to wear - super comfortable. Combining practicality with beauty.

Here are a few dresses currently in my studio waiting to be labeled and put on hangers. I'm working on the mid-size range, 2-4, for a trunk show at Annarella Home on First Friday, June 5. These fabrics are soft and oh, so colorful.

Those of you in Texas, don't miss the chance to come see what's new. I can't wait to talk to you! I'll post more details later.

Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging

Tyson Skross has become a blogger. He's posted 2. Take a trip over to see him. Ty's blog.

While you're surfing the internet, take a trip on Allyson Smith's website. Its been updated to include all her current work.

I'm starting my driving trip to Wilmington, Delaware, for the Wilmington Flower Market, May 7,8,9. We're taking our time and stopping to see some family on the way. I'm not sure what internet access I'll have while away, but we'll be back by May 15.

Annarella Home Design Studio is moving to the Atrium at 800 S Austin Ave. Pamela will continue to work with her existing and new clients. Email her for info annarellahome@yahoo.com

Have a great May Day. Make sure to smell the roses.

It's been a long time

Wow! I took 6 weeks off from blogging. At times I missed it and mentally talked to all of you, but mostly there has been so much going on in my life I just haven't had extra time.

Annarella, the store, has closed. Annarella Home, the design studio, continues. Annarella Girl, the custom clothing line, has been born.

The back story - for 8 years, Pamela and I created a retail experience that combined top design ideas and furniture for all your interiors (Pamela) with art and unique gifts (Ellie). while business grew and expanded with the aid of our great customers, last year the tightening economy began to be noticed. I decided that I no longer had the passion and energy necessary to run my part.

Pamela is and will continue her design business, Annarella Home. she is accepting new clients and continues with many ongoing projects. Spread the word that she is available with her exceptional talent for creating the look and feel you deserve in your home or office. Her contact information remains the same as the old Annarella info. Now I am working for her - manning the phones and sitting at the reception desk.

I'm plunging ahead with Annarella Girl. This spring I am attending 3 arts and crafts shows. I look forward to talking to everyone and getting feedback which will help me decide if I want to keep this as a small hobby or begin the process of growing a new business. So stop in and see me at the Bloomin Fest in Lampasas this Sat, April 4; next weekend Fri - Sun, April 10-12 at the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet; and May 7-9, Thurs thru Sat, the Wilmington Flower Market in Wilmington Delaware. I'm looking forward to meeting lots of new people and hearing what they think of my sundresses, skirts and new tee shirts.

So that's what we've been upto here. I've discovered that closing a business is very unexciting and sad. There have been quite a few pity parties held although I seem to be alone in my attendance. What I am enjoying after all these years in retail is having a more relaxed schedule since the design studio is only open from Tues thru Sat currently. and as I take my dresses on the road even those hours will be altered so it's best to call or email ahead.

I'll let you all know how my shows are going and will keep you up-to-date on new fabrics and designs. Old email still works but I do have a new one also.

It's good to be back!

Catching Up

It's been a busy week, so I've neglected all of my blog friends. Sorry. So I'll catch you up on a few of the doings.

First, there's been a lot of talk about a bill being introduced in the Texas legislature. As I understand it they are trying to tighten the restrictions for designers working on commercial projects by allowing only licensed interior designers for a commercial project. For a long time there has been a bit of friction between interior designers and decorators. In order to call oneself an interior designer, one must have a degree and state license which is renewed each year. They are qualified to work on projects that include changing walls, electrical, etc. A decorator is not licensed and can work on space planning, color ways, furniture placement etc. Typically an interior designer charges slightly more than a decorator because of the higher level of education. But a license does not necessarily make one a good designer when it comes to the aesthetics of a room. The emotional feel of a room is often from the color palette, type and style of furniture and its placement, the judicious use of accessories, window treatments and floor coverings.

Locally there has always been a peace between the two camps. We are careful not to refer to Pamela as an interior designer. She is a decorator with 14 years of experience. She is quite happy to leave any structural changes that a client wants in the hands of an architect and she has worked with many of the local builders and architects to incorporate her client's needs and wants. Her forte is in listening to a client and helping them get the home that function well for them and be aesthetically pleasing. She wants a client to enjoy going into the spaces they have worked on together. She is good at this and has many satisfied customers.

To change the law may be fixing a problem which is not there. (And we all know that can just create a whole bunch of new problems.) Keep the distinction between interior designers and decorators as it is now. Punish anyone who claims to be an interior designer but is not licensed. But allow a decorator to work with architects as a consultant for chosing fixtures, flooring, colors, placement of electrical outlets etc. Don't stand in the way of a decorator from working with the aesthetics of homes. There is a need for both of them in the world of design.

On a final note, at Annarella Home we encourage potential clients to ask for references and talk to people who have used Pamela for their design projects. We are proud of her talents and think she is special. She doesn't want to have to go through the licensing process because she doesn't want to know how to move walls. She would rather leave that to the architect. Her passion lies with the furniture, colors and textures of fabrics, the challenge of space planning, and accessorizing to create a mood.

See picture below for an example of what she can do.

If I have mispoke about the intent of the bill, it is my fault and lack of understanding, not Pamela's or anyone else. Feel free to set me straight.

Ellie

Change is good

On Inaugaration Day 2009 change is a key word. It's exciting to see such crowds and such enthusiasm. Even if America must face reality and a lot of tough work tomorrow, it is fun to celebrate change and possibilities today.

As a lot of you know already, Annarella is making some major changes. We've been selling our inventory at 50% off so we can consolidate into 2 rooms and become Annarella Home, Pamela's design services. This week we should be able to begin to move all the fabrics into their new home, our second room. We will be vacating the atrium and adjoining design studio. Although there is a little sadness, this feels more and more right as we progress. The current economic climate means we have to tighten our belt and find ways to trim the overhead without hurting the wonderful design services that we can provide. So we are reducing the gift items we carry as we reduce our retail presence in downtown.

Our new store hours are Tues -Sat 11-5. But Pamela can be reached on her cell for questions and appoinments 512-818-6026. We welcome appointments for before or after regular hours. For the time being we will remain at 800 S Austin Ave here in downtown Georgetown. We promise to keep everyone updated on all coming changes.

Ellie will expand her Hugs from Mimi girls handmade clothing line. Right now I'm working hard at developing new designs and looks for spring. I'm building up stock with an addition of two skirts. Meanwhile I'll be working with Pamela. My smiling face will still be the one behind the desk. So stop in and see me. Any questions about the clothes can be emailed annarella@thegateway.net as I work on a schedule of art fairs I'll attend and on a website.

So change is good here. Thanks to everyone who has had such good things to say to us. Thanks to everyone who has said they'll miss us. We're still here just morphing.

Warm throws for a cold day

Annarella Home has always loved the throws from Kennebunk Weavers. (This is the Bedford Cottage website as they bought out Kennebunk Weavers, Browse it all or click on the KW button.) Even though we live in a warm climate, the soft throws are a perfect weight for a cool evening or even a hot summer when the air-conditioning is turned too high. Well, we still have a few left on sale for 50% off. What a deal as we suffer through our cold weather this January.


Isn't this cute? The throws don't come with the dogs, but I couldn't resist.

Picture your sofa or chair with a spot of color like these. The black is a soft faux fur with a suede back. Throws like these add not only color but texture to your rooms.

It is the little touches like the ones I've been discussing this week that create spaces that you want to come into, that make you smile, that give you comfort. This is what home is all about - a welcoming space.

Have a good weekend. Venture out to see what we have left at 50% off.

Chasing the winter blahs, part 2

Continuing on with small and inexpensive ways to change your home's insides so that you leave the drabness of winter out of doors.


Jim Nilsen has always been a favorite photographer here at Annarella. His small framed shots are like little jewels that when grouped can brighten an entire wall but also work well as a spot of interest in a bookcase or on a table top. He shoots in South America, Europe and India capturing the colors and feels of each region. The precision of each image is juxtaposed with a mood-saturated pallette. One or several in your home will be sure to chase away any winter blahs.

Here are a few of my favorties from his website. Forget the cold outside and enjoy the tour around his world.Brazil

Mexico

France

Italy

Greece

Au revoir. Ciaio. Good by for today.

Get out of the winter blahs

There's the period after we take down the holiday decor, pack away those special dishes and store the red, gold or green candles, when the nesting instinct cries out for a change. The skies are gray, the trees are brown. The outside is a symphony in muted whites, browns and blacks. Inside the house we are ready for something new - something different - something with color. The easiest quick but satisfying trick is to add some color with new pillows.

Imagine this combination of colors in a mix of large to small. square and rectangular pillows on a sofa and a chair.

Mixing a pattern and stripe with solids; smooth with textured; a sheen with a matte finish will brighten your spirit and add so much interest to your room.

Just pick a color palette and chose the different patterns and textures. If you're afraid of making a mistake or the choices become overwhelming, call or email Pamela at Annarella Home. You'll love the difference a few pillows will make and your pocketbook will love the low cost.

When good ideas go awry

This morning a favorite customer of Annarella stopped in to ask me what I knew about the new regulations to control lead in children's products. I had to confess ignorance to the details. But when she told me it might affect the girls dresses and skirts I make, I started to do some research. This is a major economic news story which will impact childrens stores, toy stores, resell, thrift stores and even small handcrafters like me. Please read the LA Times story for a good view of what we have to face if this law is enacted as planned on Feb. 10. It appears that I cannot make and sell children's clothing without extensive and expensive testing to certify they are lead free.

Another good site with a link to a letter to Congress asking for changes is Enkor Kids. I made sure my Texas Senators, Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Carter as well as my Representative John Cornyn received an email as well as a hard copy of my request to take another look at the law and enact some changes to make it possible for handcrafters, in particular, to create and sell goods. And also look at ways to work with thrift and resale shops.

I hope the dialogue grows until it cannot be ignored. There has to be a solution somewhere between the law as written which appears to mean many second-hand items will end up in landfill, and small businesses like mine will be unable to afford testing or waiting for all the components used to be tested and allowing lead-filled toys, materials and supplies into our country and into the mouths of our children and grandchildren.

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

Here are a few pictures from House Beautiful to put us all in the Christmas spirit. Enjoy!

What one can do if you don't have snow for Christmas.

Sophisticated mix of colors and textures. Wonderful!

Fill your tree with unusual ornaments like this blown glass pear. Our favorite glass artist is Bob Rynearson at Rhino Glass.

We hope you have found a special gift for everyone on your list.

We celebrate all our dear family and friends this holiday season. You have enriched our lives and have made our year special.

Merry Christmas and aHappy New Year!

Annarella

New Blogs

I've added two new blogs to my blog list. They are must reads.

First - I wrote of sevenof before when they first launched. The two gals, Jane and Amy have continued to write interesting and intelligent posts. Recently Jane mentioned an sculptor, Jennifer Maestre, who works with pencils, nails and zippers.

Yes, look closely those are nails and zippers. Stop by her intriquing website to see more. and another thank you to Jane for directing me to this artist. Sign up to receive the daily postings of seven of you won't be sorry.

Secondly, one of my favorite artists, Dan Zinno stopped in the store to chat and let me know he has started to blog.

He writes about life and art. I find his thoughts to be insightful. Stop by his blog and see what you think.

I've added links to both these blogs on my blog list. Visit them.

Pretty Girls

Thanks to photographer, James Polnick, I have lots of photos of my dresses on 4 very pretty girls. Two months ago I did a trunk show of the Hugs from Mimi Handmade Dresses in Houston where I met some wonderful girls (and their mothers, grandmothers and fathers) who agreed to be in a photo shoot with their dresses. Here are the marvelous results.

This is James daughter, Brighten, who certainly does brighten up at the sight of a camera. She was a champ and just kept smiling on and on. The one just below makes me giggle.

Next is Lauren. She is a little more serious, but those eyes!! She is adorable.

Blond and quiet, Macy, posed the most seriously of all. Doesn't she look so grown up?Here Macy and Brighten show off like but not matching sun dresses.Ryann, my granddaughter, is the final model. She is all girl and loved being my top model. She is my guinea pig. If she likes my creations, then I know I'm on the right track. I can't wait to see her over the holidays, as I have two new designs for skirts she needs to critique.Best friends, Macy and Ryann.It was so great to see the girls playing and being so comfortable inthe dresses while they looked soooo good. I feel like little girls should wear clothes that are comfortable for running and sitting with no scratchy fabrics. For the moms the clothes should be easy care. Who has time for lots of ironing?Here are all the models resting after a hard day of looking good, smiling and posing. They were all so cooperative. Thanks.

If you want me to do a trunk show next year, just holler. I had a great time in Houston. It was fun to get the instant feedback from Moms and their daughters. Email me at annarella@thegateway.net

Don't forget tomorrow, Dec 13 is Market Days in downtown Georgetown. Also the tour of historic homes put on by the Georgetown Heritage Society is Saturday and Sunday, the 13th & 14th. Click on the name for times, places and tickets. This is a highlight of the ho;iday season here in Georgetown.

Artist Interview: Anna Marie Pavlik

The second woman who is an artist in our current show, Small Pleasures & Quiet Moments, is Anna Marie Pavlik. Because we love Anna Marie we always have a few of her prints scattered throughout our space, but this show is dedicated to some of her smaller pieces. What a great Christmas gift any of these would make! Her prints are very intricate and filled with details that frequently reference myths and legends, nature, and the politics of women and the environment. Although complex in subject, her palettes are subtle and earthy. The combination of colors and details draws the viewer into her work to enjoy, discover and share her world.

Enjoy her thoughtful interview.

Amigo etching

Tell us about art and your early years. My early artistic efforts were focused in sewing. I completed my first embroidery sampler shortly after my 5th birthday. Later I went on to constructing doll clothes and knitting. My mother felt that St Paul, Minnesota of the 1950's and 60's was culturally lacking compared to her childhood Chicago, so she took her four daughters to museums and films. My father used his doctorate in Chemistry to qwork for 3M and presented us with creative ideas from the laboratory. He drew the plans for the home my parents built, and we all worked on the house and landscape after the major contracted portions were complete.

We had coloring books and paint by number sets, but the major projects were Ukrainian egg painting, making rolled-out embossed and meticulously decorated Christmas cookies, hand coloring curtains and sewing our own clothing. We were not allowed to brainlessly absorb television; so eaxh of us had hand-work projects to ensure productivity while sitting on the couch.

Lake and Land etching

Tell us about your art education. No visual art classes were offered until 8th grade when a woman in the parish volunteered to teach drawing one afternoon a month. During the summers my sisters and I went to summer school. We enrolled in one serious course and one more expressive class each year. During the last two years of high school I had the opportunity of visual art classes, prior to that I learned flower arranging, appreciating opera and interior decorating. At the end of my senior year and throughout the summer before college, I apprenticed with a production potter in the neighborhood, Peter Leach. In exchange for babysitting I used the studio to learn how to make wheel-thrown stoneware.

In college at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, I explored all the art techniques offered. At that time I favored working in small metal techniques of lost wax casting and soldering. Following college I went to St Paul Vocational Technical School and graduated with a Mechanical Drafting Certificate. Through employment with 3M I obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

My formal education was instructive; however I believe that family encouraged opportunities have been more important in influencing my artistic direction.

Her Legacy stratograph

What is your style? Labeling my style is difficult. Being able to recognize elements within the composition has always been a concern. I love pattern, color and narrative so these are important components.

Tell us about your process. When I begin a new piece I start with a folder. Here I place sketches, articles and sometimes write a paragraph explaining to myself what I hope to achieve. Next I do a crude sketch in the format of the copper plate I intend to use and decide on an initial technique - line etch, soft ground or aquatint. From this point I develop the plate, etch for different amounts of time to create variations in density, then print, evaluate the process and repeat the steps.

Re-orientation etching

One of the things which I enjoy about etching is the unpredictable results that can occur when an area etches differently than expected and even just the fact that the printed image is the reverse. These minor jolts stimulate image-development which would not occur with the more direct control of drawing or painting. I often try printing on different papers with a range of colors. It is frequently helpful to take a break after printing and review the work a few days later so that over-reaction to minor details is minimized.

Fourteen Ninety Two intaglio

How do you know when a piece is finished? Knowing when the work is complete is a critical question. Since it is possible to print and have a progress record throughout the development process, I am able to retain sample proofs which show me where I made decisions, Somehow, the correct choice is always obvious later. Although I cannot usually return to the earlier state, education from mistaken directions can be applied to future efforts.

Sojurn stratograph

What do you want your viewers to take from your work? Exploring critical issues with regard to nature is central to my artistic theme. Inspiration comes from issues raised in newspapers, magazines and National and State Park literature. I hope to draw the viewer into the image by presenting curious or beautiful images. My goal is that people take time to decipher what has attracted them and realize the additional message.

Do you listen to music when you work? Silence is my preferred choice for the time when I am working out concepts and imagery. When I reach points which require routine and redundant effort like sanding, polishing, cleaning off grounds, cutting mats and framing I enjoy listening to NPR, especially the Phil Music Show, The Writers Almanac and Star Date.

Visitor etching

Any favorite books, movies or TV you enjoy for relaxation or inspiration? I read the Austin-American Statesman newspaper and art, natural history, and travel literature. My husband tapes a few TV series which I agree to watch - Masterpiece Mystery, Boston Legal and Desperate Housewives. I also do enjoy the Daily Show but remain predominately a radio listener.

Thanks, Anna Marie. She will be at Annarella Home for First Friday, December 5. Please join her, Carol Hayman and Cathie Kayser for a gallery talk at 6 pm. They will talk about printmaking and give a demonstration of the process on a small printer. This exhibit will run through December 31.

Annarella goes BOGO

These are extraordinary days for the small retailer. We are definitely feeling the effects of a slowing economy. In fact we could have told all the talking heads a year ago that this was in the wind. We spend so much time talking and listening to the consumer.And there were hints of a cooling off last holiday season. But who listens to us?

Anyway... Annarella Home is having an unprecedented sale - Buy One item at marked price and Get One of equal or lesser value at 50% off. This makes it a great opportunity for picking up gifts for everyone on your list. Or a great time to save money while stocking up on some of your favorites.

Murval bags - buy one for yourself and get one to give as a gift. These have interior pockets which make them practical as well as being fashionable.

We carry Thymes in the original Gold Leaf scent as well as Lavendar and Kimona Rose.

Cleaning almost becomes a pleasure when using the Caldrea products. All scents are essential oils so people with allergies can enjoy the smell without the tearing and sneezing.

Tea Forte offers the perfect way to say thank you to teachers and co-workers. Plus slip some in a stocking for all the over-worked mothers to relax with.

Don't forget the Lighting of the Square on Friday, November 28 at 6pm. There will be carols sung by choirs, hot chocolate and cookies. We always have a candy cane or tow just waiting for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!!