Opportunity Knocks with a Cherry on Top!

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Opportunity came knocking this past November, when I was asked to create designs and do a tablescape demonstration for a holiday event that was being hosted by Dorothy Goodwin and Joe Petrucci of Century 21 in Wakefield. To put a cherry on top of this already amazing experience, I was told that I might be mentioned in one of the upcoming Century 21 Commonwealth Newsletters, to which I exclaimed, WHAT, you must be joking? No, they weren't, I made the second page!

PAGE ONE...

PAGE TWO!

When the newsletter finally reached me, and I began to read, I was stunned by the references made about me. What an honor to think that my love of creating pretty things could be thought of as art.

I want to thank Dorothy Goodwin and Joe Petrucci AGAIN, for asking me to join forces. I would also like to thank Roy Goodwin for photographing my designs in such a beautiful way, and Sarah Mattero from Mills PR, for writing such a lovely piece about the collaborative efforts of two real estate agents and one aspiring designer.

The Proof of the Pudding (is in the eating)

Photo credit: Roy Goodwin

Photo credit: Roy Goodwin

This past Saturday I designed a Holiday Tablescapes event, where I had the chance to showcase my work. I was hoping that the event would give me an opportunity to show people what I do first-hand. Since most of my days are spent in my little home studio hidden from view, being able to get out in front of a group is a worthwhile venture. I even agreed to do a design demonstration (ugh), which is not always an easy task. All of this was a huge undertaking, and would not have been possible without the support of my family.

Photo credit: Roy Goodwin

When I was asked a few weeks ago to design an event for Dorothy Goodwin and Joe Petrucci of Century 21 in Wakefield, I was extremely honored. In planning for this fabulous opportunity, I thought that it would be important for me to show, in both floral and interior designs, my ideas about how to layer through combinations of colors and textures. I was also interested in mixing high and low elements, mixing heirlooms with trendy/retail pieces.

Photo credit: Roy Goodwin

Photo credit: Roy Goodwin

Photo credit: Roy Goodwin

After all the leg work was complete for my tablescape designs, I quickly moved on to the demonstration portion of my plan. I knew for sure that whatever I chose to demonstrate needed to be user-friendly, and should be made with materials that were easy to access. I felt it important that the take-away for guests was one of inspiration, and not of frustration. I wanted them to leave with the feeling that they could easily translate the design for their own holiday tables.

A trip to my local Hannaford provided all the materials necessary to make these designs. Two bags of fresh produce and $50 dollars later, I was off to my studio to put the practical into practice. In keeping with my theory of always utilizing what is on-hand (when you can), I chose a couple of trays from my own collection, thinking that most people would be able to improvise with something similar from their own homes.

Photo credit: Roy Goodwin

One of my happy holiday attendees, keeping busy with his iPad while ignoring (I'm sure) the boring conversation going on around the room.

Photo credit: Roy Goodwin

I don't even know how to express my deep appreciation for the opportunity afforded to me by Dorothy Goodwin and Joe Petrucci of Century 21 in Wakefield. I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to photographer Roy Goodwin for the beautiful images he took of my work. How will I ever be able to accept the quality of my own photos again?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A Match Made in Heaven: Holiday Tablescapes

In planning all the designs for my upcoming holiday event, I put some thought into how I could best showcase a holiday table. I tried to focus on a design that would incorporate materials that would be easy for guests to access. By combining a mixture of elements found in the home, the grocery store, and greens from the yard, I hope that the guests will be inspired to create beautiful designs for their own holiday tables.

This wonderful design opportunity would not have been possible without the support of Dorothy Goodwin and Joe Petrucci of Century 21 in Wakefield. Dorothy brought me the idea just a few weeks ago, and it was one that I couldn't resist. Working with her is like a match made in heaven. Hope to see you there!