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Friday, March 30, 2018

March Dinner Party

Two weeks ago I hosted a small party for several friends who all have spring birthdays. I chose a St. Patrick's Day theme but this would easily work for any springtime luncheon.

 I pulled out a charming vintage tablecloth that I found once while thrift shopping. It is cross stitched with colorful spring flowers.

 My favorite place settings are my mix and match white ironstone and mix and match vintage silverware.

 A few pots of primroses are perfect nestled in an old toolbox. 

To go along with an Irish theme I served Loaded Potato Soup, 
 Martha Stewart's  Irish Soda Scones ,

fresh artisanal bread, 


and spring greens with apples, mandarin oranges and berries.
To top it off, one of my favorite make ahead desserts, 





I bagged up Rolo candies and attached a vintage card with an Irish blessing wishing everyone luck.
It was a fun and pretty way to welcome spring! 

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Sunday, March 25, 2018

Tiffany's Gorgeous Glass

When you hear the name Tiffany do you think of diamonds, exquisite jewelry, and little blue boxes or do you think of glorious works of stained glass?




Charles Lewis Tiffany was the founder of the famous jewelry store and it was his son, Louis Comfort Tiffany who is known for his amazing work in art glass. He was a pioneer in the Art Nouveau movement incorporating nature into his fanciful designs. 

Yesterday I attended an exhibit of his works at the 
BYU Museum of Art entitled 
Tiffany Glass: Painting with Color and Light. 
Tiffany's creations are breathtakingly beautiful and so inventive.



wisteria table lamp

One of the better known designs is this wisteria table lamp. Notice how the blossoms drape and cascade to form an uneven rim.


poinsettia hanging lamp


Art Deco floor lamp

dragonfly hanging lamp

landscape hanging lamp

The lamp bases are almost as ornate as the stained glass. The bronze base forms a trunk to support the heavy shade.



This design was new to me, a bamboo glass shade supported by a large stalk of bronze bamboo.

Here is another of Tiffany's most recognizable designs - the dragonfly lamp.


Of course Tiffany made more than lamps. His stained glass windows decorate cathedrals, palaces, libraries, businesses and museums all over the world.






I was fascinated by the shards of glass on display. Notice the streaks and marbling in the glass used to represent dappled sunlight on leaves or creases and fold in fabric . 



Many years ago I took a stained glass making class. I remember cutting each piece, applying the copper foil and the flux and finally soldering each piece together. It takes patience and true craftsmanship to create these works of art.

If you are in the greater Salt Lake area it's worth a stop in to the BYU Museum of Art for this fabulous exhibit! 
For more info click HERE.

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Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Pinto Pony Designs



After having moved to a tiny town in the country, I have been so pleased to find that there are some great places to shop. One of my new favorites is the Pinto Pony home decor and gift shop. 

Pinto Pony is located on Main Street in Heber, Utah and makes its home in a charming old brick house built in 1895.

Each room is chock full of decor items including tabletop and kitchen items,  


 kilim and dhurrie rugs, 

 unique florals,



 furniture, 

lighting, 

 lots of fun pillows,  



and even some fun clothing and fashion accessories.


Their style definitely leans towards rustic mountain and western influences. Perfect for the beautiful Wasatch Back area. The owners also offer interior design services. It's a fun shop to browse in and find something new!

Check them out at
Pinto Pony Design.

update - Unfortunately the Pinto Pony has now closed its doors permanently :(

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Saturday, February 10, 2018

Door Decisions




Your front door says a lot about your home. It's the first impression visitors get when they come to call and it should appear welcoming and inviting. It also reflects the style of your home whether that's traditional or contemporary. We are building a European style home in the mountains of Utah and I need to choose my new front door.
I wanted something like this with windows flanking the side but my builder says the front entry is not wide enough for that.


He suggested a door with a transom window over the top to let in some natural light but I think the proportion looks awkward.

I like this look, but it may be too Mission style-ish  for the rest of the house.


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This door with lots of glass is pretty. What do you think about privacy? Does it bother you when visitors can see right into the house? 

The details on this door are beautiful.

 I am clearly drawn to arched doors! 

https://vintagetimberworks.com/
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This is quite rustic but I kind of like the antique feel.

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 I love the round window but my husband says it looks too"hobbit-y".
  

 I could go for some lovely iron scroll work.

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I think this is my favorite with the diamond shaped leaded glass.

What are your thoughts? Which door looks the most inviting to you ?

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