This artist's life

I follow a blog by a California potter, Whitney Smith. In her latest post she talks about art school. Is it worth the time and expense? I reccomend that you read the post and all the comments. It's a fascinating discussion .

While you are there check out her pottery. It is wonderful.

Seeing Red...in a good way

Red states, blue states.... Forget politics and the presidential race for a moment and enjoy the red at Annarella.

We just received this smashing red hutch. The finish is rubbed for a rustic but elegant look. what a spot of color for a dining room or kitchen. Frankly I'd like to design a eating nook in my kitchen around it. Where would you like to put it?Here's a close up of the finish. Although it looks fire engine red on my monitor, it is really a tad more subtle...like a red velvet cake red.

And I know it's a little early for holidays and winter (especially here in central Texas) but Tea Forte has released their holiday collections.

This winter warmer has a red cafe cup with the hole in the top for their signature leaf and stem which will only be available for a limited time. It comes with two infusers in holiday blends: Sweet Orange Spice - an enticing blend of black tea, cinnamon and orange; and Crimson Nectar - a ruby red, herbal fruit tea. Yum! Here is a box of twenty infusers for the holiday season. This is great to have on hand for guests. Its so much fun to choose the flavor that fits your mood...Crimson Nectar, winter Chai (herbal blend of rooibos and spices), Sweet Orange Tea, White Ambrosia (white tea melded with vanilla and coconut) and English Breakfast (organic black tea).

If you're a tea drinker and haven't tried Tea Forte, we urge you to sample some. This is a product which is sophisticated and simply the best.

So come in and see some red.

Hugs from Mimi Dresses

Some of you know that I have a little sideline called Hugs from Mimi. It started with baby burp cloths and small lovies because I couldn't find stylish but sturdy ones to sell in our baby section at Annarella Home. So I dusted off my sewing machine and made some. That was 5 years ago, and they still sell here. This spring I was putting together a raffle basket of baby gifts for my daughter's school fund raiser. It included the burp cloths, lovies, Fun Bath blanket and Caldrea Sweet Pea Collection. It was a good gift, but I was looking for a wow finish so they could make more money. So I decided to make a baby outfit. It was so much fun. And that became the beginning of the Hugs from Mimi Custom Dresses.

I love working with all the different fabrics and putting them together in unexpected ways.Some of the fabric combinations get pretty funky, but I keep the designs comfortable and easy care. Little girls should be able to run, jump and climb trees while looking drop dead gorgeous.The sizing goes from 6 months to girl's 8. The construction with tie shoulder straps and sashes allows for growth with a range of at least two sizes. And although here in central Texas we have a lot of summer, we do need some clothes for cold weather. These go beautifully over a shirt and leggings or tights for winter wear.

When I was a little girl I spent hours designing clothes for my paper dolls. I dreamed about becoming a designer but, alas, I couldn't draw. Now at the other end of my life I have returned to playing with dresses. Isn't life full of surprises and twists?

Tips and Inspirations for Your Home

There are 3 trends in interior designs that help create serene but interesting rooms. Spaces that reflect the character of the individuals that live there. At Annarella Home designers, Pamela and Mindy, incorporate these ideas into many of their projects. Below are a few photos that I hope will show Blend, Layer and Mix. Enjoy.

BLEND - Notice the quiet color palette of this bedroom. It ranges from cream to taupe. So the whole is quiet and serene as a bedroom should be. What keeps it from boring? It doesn't all match. The turned foot posters of the bed are ornate, but the chairs in front are simple. By not matching everything perfectly the room becomes interesting, but the monochromatic color palette helps it all blend.

LAYER - Again a very subdued palette as a backdrop, but this rooms has so many different textures to keep it interesting. From the big block stone floor to the diamond patterned tile front on the fireplace to the rustic wood block mantel piece there is so much texture for the eyes and fingers to feel. It makes the smooth finish on the table and chairs pop. So often we think of textures being different fabrics in a space. Here I want you to think out of the box and add different natural materials like glass, iron, stone and wood to create a timeless space with interest.MIX - Put old and new together. Notice the dressing table which comes from an entirely different era than the bed. By mixing styles and eras but not adding lots of clutter, this bedroom has personality. It doesn't look like a catelogue page; it looks like it was put together to reflect the style and personality of the occupant. I think this should be the goal of every good design.

Dining in Style - Chairs

Sooner than you or I can imagine Thanksgiving will be here. I find my thoughts going to the dining table. I love to break out the "good china" and silverware to set for the feast. As a family we all like to participate in planning the menu and then cooking it. It's a little early for us to really get into the spirit, but its not too early if I want to add any decor to my dining room.

I've been thinking about chairs. Since we like to eat and talk and eat and talk for hours, I've been looking at comfortable seating. I absolutely love these chairs from IDS.

Wouldn't these look nice around a dining table. There are over 60 fabrics to choose from. And notice the different leg styles.

Padded seats are very comfortable. This bench could hold 2 full-size adults or 3 wriggly grandchildren.IDS has just started making the occasional arm chair below. It is a little big for my dining room, but I'm tempted to use it to create a reading corner in my master bedroom.And finally I can't resist showing this square upholstered coffee table. Here, at Annarella, we've had requests for a piece like this. I'm so pleased that IDS has designed this. Love the legs. Check out their website under new items for some more designs.If you have furniture or window treatments you're thinking about for a festive holiday house. Come see us soon as we are getting cut-off dates for delivery from more and more of our manufacturers and work rooms.

Last Day

If you live in Texas, today is the last day to register to vote in the November 4 Presidential election. Please do it. If you've recently moved or changed your name you need to register.

Down to the last month of campaigning. I'm ready to hear the candidates outline their plans for what they intend to do once elected. I'm tired of name calling, negative ads, meaningless catch phrases. I want to know what they are going to do. That to me shows leadership. And I for one feel like we really need leadership. If in any way you agree with me, let's let the candidates know we want to know their plans for the future and how they are going to implement them. Stop underestimating the American people's ability to understand the issues and to vote on them.
John McCain or Barack Obama

First Friday and Art Opening

Good morning, all.

A reminder that tonight is First Friday in downtown Georgetown. It is opening night for the month-long juried art show sponsored by Georgetown Art Works. There are about 90 pieces exhibited in 4 venues from almost 60 Texas artists. Annarella Home has 14 works including 3 of the award winners in photography. I know you will enjoy them.

First Friday we are open until 8:00 with food and drink starting at 6:00. If you miss tonight the exhibit runs until Oct 31. And next Saturday there is a special event just for kids - Art Hopscotch - 9:30 - 11:00. Click on highlight for more info.

Don't forget The Taste of Georgetown is Saturday. Information at 868-8675 or on web. We'll be open til 9:00 and look forward to seeing you all before or after this fun event.

Have a great weekend. Art , wine and food - what else can you ask for!