Art in Bloom is...

Art in Bloom is... the concept behind my window design for the Lynnfield Library. Telling a visual story about the "art of interpretation."

I think this design speaks for itself, or at least I hope it does. The story begins with a little burlap of course, to set the stage. I envisioned mini chalkboards with descriptive words to help the viewer visualize the artistic thought process. I improvised with black paper and chalk to achieve the look, aiming for a french feel all around.

My silk interpretation as the final visual for this stories end.

This design will be on display for the month of March at the Lynnfield Public Library. I hope to see you on March 12, 2012 for the opening night reception, as I will be interpreting this painting for a second time using fresh flowers. Details available on Lynnfield Patch.


Until next time...L.

Art in Bloom = Window Design

library window prior to my design

Happily gearing up for another Village Garden Club Art in Bloom event happening on March 12 - 16, 2012, at the Lynnfield Library. I agreed to design the lobby display window pictured above to help get the word out about the event. Thus began my design process on a project that I could really sink my teeth into. How would I best highlight the event, and visually show the artistic creativity involved in the "art of interpretation?" I WOULD SHOW THE PROCESS!!!!

Inspiration provided by Britt Daw

Art in Bloom begins with INSPIRATION, and this is the piece that I chose to interpret this year. Interpreting a painting or piece of art is a very individual thing. An interpretation will be somewhat reflective of its interpreter. The best part about interpreting art is that there is never right or wrong way, to go about it. It is in ones ability to think outside the box, and be able to use flowers as your language to convey a meaning.

Floral designing and painting are actually very closely related in that the designer/artist follows a similar thought process. Some of the words that best describe the process would be theme, texture, inspiration, scale, form, light, color, mass, shape, implied meaning, composition, harmony, rhythm, emphasis, balance and line. These words helped me understand what I wanted to show in my window design.

I decided to create a small scale interpretation of my painting for the window design, using silks. A visit to Jacobson was in order, as they have an enormous selection of silks, containers, and floral "do - dads" of all kinds. It did not take long for me to make my selections, and get back home to start the designing.

Flexibility is the name of the game. Being able to improvise when needed, and realizing that there's more than one way to skin a cat. My overall design concept stayed true to the original thought, but it was necessary for me to make adjustments to some of the details, as the process unfolded.

silk flowers

wire container

See you soon, as I will be setting up my window design this week to help kick off the event. Look for additional posts on my final window design, silk interpretation, and Art in Bloom design done with fresh flowers.




Until next time...L.

70th Birthday Designs

I was asked to design floral arrangements for my client Denise's Aunt's 70th Birthday Celebration, this past weekend.  The event was held at Donatello's Restaurante a delicious spot for Italian food, and it is right in my neck of the woods.

My client Denise and I talked about flower, vase, and linen selection. Denise told me that there would be one long table set up for her group of twenty. The details she provided me were all I needed to start my design process. I chose to design with five vases, one larger 8 x 8 vase, and four smaller 6 x 6 vases. Denise mentioned that she wanted to use calla lilies and hypericum as she had seen them in one of my previous designs. When I went to the market, and spotted these deep aubergine calla beauties I knew they were the perfect punch of color that I had envisioned for her designs.

Designing with flowers is not unlike designing a room or a vignette. It is important to consider scale, shape, texture and color in order to create an overall design that fits the space. I incorporated some angel hair vine from Save on Crafts for additional dimension, and a bit of whimsy. 

Pictures taken outside before the delivery, capture the romantic appeal of these designs.  I was almost sad to part with them, as I was very pleased with the results. I was hopeful at that point, that Denise would feel the same way.

My trusty burlap tablecloth came in handy during my little photo shoot. Lucky for me the cold was not due to set in until Sunday.

Votive candles I had on hand were added to set the mood. I love how the designs stand out against the white linens.

I am happy to report that my client Denise was extremely pleased, and I really look forward to working with her again.  I appreciated the opportunity to be able to take some liberties with the designs as Denise (the perfect client), let me do my thing.






Until next time...L.

Burlap Christmas, part deux

This will be the second year that we have cut down a tree at Durkee Trees in Littleton, Mass.  I am happy to report that this tree has been up since Thanksgiving weekend, and is still drinking water. It appears that we are in luck again this year.

As you know, I will be incorporating burlap into some of my Christmas designs this year. I added burlap ribbon to the tree to create a backdrop for my sparkly red berry strands. The burlap ribbon was purchased at my new favorite online craft store, Save on Crafts. A little elf is pictured off to the left, fixing the Christmas tree lights. This is the same little elf that had to have a Christmas tree two days after Thanksgiving. I guess we know who is in charge around here.

This picture was taken by my little elf, and insisted that it be used for the blog. This fish ornament was chosen by my son while on a shopping excursion with his Mimi at Jordan Marsh, many moons ago. He is now twenty one, so that gives you an idea of the time frame. It is funny how certain ornaments become favorites, and how they hold special memories for those who chose them. I remember being horrified at the sight of this fish when it arrived home. Back then, my tree was decorated in shades of pink which I know sounds quite frightening but at the time is seemed fine. It was the 90's, what can I say.

This is about the best picture that I could get of the tree. I only took about 300 pictures, but found it tough to work with the glare of the lights. I want to thank my little elf, because she helps to remind me about the true meaning of Christmas. THE PRESENTS!!!!




Until next time...L.

I'll Have A Burlap Christmas

Since the Boxford Holiday Homes Tour, I have decided to keep the burlap theme running.  As I did not have a lot of burlap ribbon leftover from the show, I created this wreath using what I had left. I love the natural appeal of the berries and burlap, on an evergreen wreath.

An urn filled with greens from my yard is the backdrop for my winter berry branches. I decided to group the winter berry branches close together vs. distributing them throughout the design. The branches were on the short side, and they looked a bit lost spread out among the greens. I like the way this gives a punch of color, and is visually pleasing from the street.

This is just a sneak peak, at my Christmas burlap theme. Make sure to stop by to see more.



Until next time...L.