An Asian Themed Tree for the Holidays

Decorate your tree easily and with charm  

Seasonal Decorating is a wonderful way to show your spirit and love of traditions.  The holidays are a great time to invite your friends and family to your home.  You will feel more confident and excited about your seasonal decorating when you artfully and creatively arrange your holiday décor.  Taking the time to add  flair to any home gives you prideful enthusiasm. If you’d like to achieve a festive look but do not have the time, ideas or energy to decorate, hire a holiday re-decorator!

As an interior redesign professional I help clients deck the halls for the holidays in one quick afternoon.  I professionally transform  homes for the holidays, using what you already have in your holiday decoration boxes.  It’s fun to see how someone else might place your tree, arrange your decorations in a vignette or place special ornaments onto some garland.  I also make a list of items you might want to consider purchasing either after the holidays on sale or immediately to add some punch to your décor. 

Impressions Redesign "holiday Redesign" decorating service is not complicated and includes:

Holiday theme development

Organizing holiday decorations (for Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Easter)

 Placement of holiday lighting, trees, garlands, and wreaths, table centerpieces and trim for banisters and doors.

Lets walk through my most recent "Holiday Redesign" that I worked on last week.  Here I will share some tips.

First off I loved the Asian look and feel of Marlene's home.  When she showed me these wonderful ornament she had made there was no question we had a "theme" to start working with.  I unpacked her boxes working with color and sorting what worked with our theme and what we would use this year to decorate.  I carefully repacked items we would use another time.  We also got rid of a few things she was not interested in using ever.  We also found a few things for her children she will wrap up and pass down.  (This took approximately one hour.)

Focus on the Tree's Theme.  I have done many tree’s over the last 20 years.  I love themed tree as that gives a focus to work with.  Try a Teddy Bear Tree if you have young ones, a Victorian Doll Tree, a Santa Clause Tree, a Country Classic tree, a Patriotic color themed tree or all children’s handmade crafts tree.  Why not create a tree with your hobby in mind: like sewing or golf tree or perhaps your Career inspires you -teacher = apples, librarian = books or your interests might make a fine tree.

I'd like to use this Asian inspired theme tree as an example of a themed tree for today.

Light affects mood.  Choose clear or white lights for a clean look. If you want to add color and excitement you might add larger bulbs or all one color bulbs.  I've seen pepper light strands and star light strands too. Typically, count on 100 lights per vertical foot of tree.

Next fill the holes -  No tree is perfect.  Use silky fabrics, organza, mesh ribbon, Mylar, glitter ribbon, tinsel, strings of beads, ribbons, garlands etc. to hide the imperfections in your tree.  Take the end of the string, start from the top and work down. Weave garlands in and out of the branches.

Think  festival color pallet. For a more formal looking tree, use a color pallet that includes two or three colors, and play with different shades of those colors.  There are many color combinations, and as in decorating always consider adding an accent.

Glass ball ornaments add a designer touch Any tree looks more cohesive with colored glass balls and works whether you want a classic or contemporary tree.  The larger the tree, the larger some of the balls should be.

Ad something special Visit your local craft store for an array of silk flowers, trims, feathers, glass bulb garland etc.  This owner had one large sprig of red glittered leaves that I used as filler for the tree. Also avoid hanging all the ornaments on the tips of the branches. To add depth and interest, try to place ornament into the tree a bit.

Add a bird for luck.  She had one lone clip on bird that I loved, it had glitter wings.  I added it to the top of the tree for luck.

Embrace your personal style Whether your home is Asian inspired like Marlene’s or traditional, contemporary or old world, find a tree and ornaments that fit into your personal taste and design. 

Handcraft your own ornaments - Jewelry Artist Marlene whom had an impressive amount of quality creative jewelry made these special ornaments that reflected her personal style.   

She had made these Asian inspired ornaments for her tree and I was excited to help her pull her holiday decorating together.

Top the tree with interest.   The most common tree toppers in the US are Stars and Angels.  I loved that Marlene had a Dragon for the top of her Asian Tree.  Do not be afraid to put something of your theme at the top, and the taller your tree the larger the tree topper should be.

Tree Skirt  The tree  skirt is there to catch needles and hide the stand and trunk. I make my tree skirts by sewing two different colored round tablecloths together making it reversible.  If you don’t sew, just add several yards of green or red material bunched at the base of the tree.  For an easy decorative skirt cut a circle of felt like we did for Marlene's tree.  

Finishing Touches.  For a finishing touch and to hide the wire leading from the lights to the plug, place a few wrapped presents under the tree. Empty boxes wrapped in the same colors as your decorations will look best and mean you won't be left with a big gaping space once the real presents are opened.

We really had a great time decorating this Asian inspired tree.  There was so much to work with.  The last hour I placed the Santa Clauses and holiday decor. 

How are you doing with your tree?

For more Holiday Tree inspiration check out:

http://www.homedit.com/30-christmas-tree-decoration-ideas-for-2011/

I love working with the clients own, and interesting I may add, things to make small Christmas vignettes. These were fun and quick.  I recommended the client buy some greenery and garland to accent these displays.

***Impressions Redesign does seasonal decorating for homes, businesses, restaurants, and clubhouses.  Typically my service takes 4-6 hours and includes: moving furniture, unpacking decorations, set-up and installation of decorations, and re-packing decoration boxes (always packing them more organized than when they were when unpacking the boxes).

For more information on holiday decorating services or special occasion decorating services contact me at Impressions-redesign.com or call  916.833.7807.  Please  “like” me on facebook at www.facebook.com/ImpressionsReDesign to see more trees and projects I am working on.

All Things New with Fiesta Dishes

Fiesta Dinnerware, a Family Tradition

Fiesta Dinnerware’s signature concentric circles and rainbow of colors really speak to the warmth and nostalgia of Americans.  My grandmother talks about friends who had the origional sets and I started collecting Fiestaware while in my early 20's as a young mom. My kids probably remember it growing up as “who gets their favorite color Fiesta plate” at dinnertime.  I love how no matter what olor I grab it looks fantastic with those pieces already on the table.

Many people comment on my Fiesta as I use it for most of my casual entertaining.  I like to set a festive table in the summer using only red, white and blue.  I use the soft pastel colors for Easter dinner and spring colors for birthday lunches.  It is really fun to pick up odd pieces at garage sales or thrift stores and I love all my many serving dishes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a large collection and have enjoyed each piece.  Here are my Fiesta dishes and how I store them at home.  I love the plate rack and having such easy access to the dishes.  I really don't think you can ever get enough.

 

The 2012 color that was just released is Flamingo.  I am hoping to get a set at Christmas to add to my collection.  I prefer the cup and saucer to the mug.  The mug handle is really too small for most men.  The cup and saucer gives me a lot more versatility as I use the saucers a dessert plates a lot and the mugs to hold sauces and sugar packets.

 

 

 

 

My favorite color in the set is this color blue.  I also love the shape of the tea pot.

NEW** Christmas Tree Collection
Just launched in September 2012 is the Christmas Tree collection.  So classic and cute this little tree adds that bit of whimsy to the tradditional and classic line of dishes.   This special holiday edition is the Ivory Fiestaware decaled with that festive Christmas tree motif that incorporates all the current Fiestaware colors.

FIESTA is also introducing several new products to the market – a Sauceboat, Square Baker and Disk Pitcher. All pieces are Ivory and feature a Christmas Tree pattern. Just launched in September of this year, Fiestaware Christmas Tree Dishes are simple in design, yet consistent with the classic line. - A special holiday edition has Ivory Fiestaware decaled with a festive Christmas tree motif that incorporates all the current Fiestaware colors.

These Ivory Christmas Tree items coordinate beautifully with all solid Fiestaware colors (the tree and ornament colors are Fiestaware colors!) For a complete holiday look - go with Scarlet and Evergreen or Shamrock plates, or as they have them here peacock blue, lemongrass green and red.

All Fiestaware Christmas Tree dishes are dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe
Fully vitrified lead-free china with a color glaze and are Made in the U.S.A.

To buy Fiestawareronline go to http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/fiesta-dinnerware?ID=16497&CategoryID=53629&LinkType=PDPZ1

To get information about their Tent Sale, Store Location and more go to

 http://www.fiestafactorydirect.com/t-storelocation.aspx

Next I’d like to tour their facility and see the dishes being made. They are located in West Virgina, I have not been there yet, but will map a trip out for 2013. Here is some information from their website

Factory Tours

Take a tour of The Homer Laughlin China Company Factory!

Call us today at 1-800-452-4462 (Option #1) and make your factory tour reservation.

Our email address is: outlet@homerlaughlin.net

There are two factory tours every Monday through Friday. The first tour begins at 10:30 am and the second begins at 12:30 pm.  The factory tour takes approximately one hour to complete.  The factory tour includes a visit to The Homer Laughlin China Company Museum, housing china displays from the past 133 years of Homer Laughlin China history.

Retail Store
800 Fiesta Drive
Newell, WV 26050

Lastly, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Fiesta (and the 140th of Homer LaughlinChina!) they have launched a limited edition Christmas ornament, I will take a look at this for my tree.

About Fiesta® Dinnerware, Made In The USA
Designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead in 1936, Fiesta Dinnerware is now the most collected china in the United States and among the most collected china in the world. It has been featured on many popular TV programs, including ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover and the Today Show. The product was discontinued in 1973 and reissued in 1986 with new contemporary colors to mark its 50th anniversary. Its unique Art Deco style has landed Fiesta Dinnerware in the collections of numerous museums from the Smithsonian Institution to the Andy Warhol Museum. For more information, visit: homerlaughlin.com.

About The Homer Laughlin China Company™
The Homer Laughlin China Company is the last major plate, saucer and cup manufacturer in the country, employing more than 850 employees at its factory in Newell, WV. In the restaurant and hospitality category, the company’s china dates back to the late 1800s and the production of white “ware”. It was in 1936 that Homer Laughlin introduced its colorful Fiesta dishes. Today, this distinctive brand is featured on dining tables across the country and coveted by a large, enthusiastic group of collectors. Backed by a 130 plus history in the industry, Homer Laughlin continues to dominate in dinnerware—committed to its craft, its workforce, its region, and its country. For additional information, visit: hlchina.com.

Designer Linda Lee and her "Sewing Workshop"

Meet Linda Lee of the Sewing Workshop 

 Topeka, Kansas 

I have always admired sewing guru  Linda Lee and her many talents.  She is well known in sewing circles for her wonderful patterns, and the place women gather to be creative and share their love of haute couture at "The sewing workshop" It was there many came for inspiration and classes.  The San Francisco store was home to many now famous sewers.  Most all who took classes there enjoyed the quality teaching and materials there.  The store was loved by many in the bay area before it was sold and she moved to Topeka.  Not only is she an author of nearly a dozen quality sewing books, she is also a teacher who travels the country teaching fine sewing techniques, and creative inspiration.  Linda is available for special classes, lectures and sharing her love of sewing for the home and creative clothing. 

Linda's books include:

• Sewing Beautiful Pillows
• Scarves to Make
• Sewing Stylish Home Projects
• Sewing Edges and Corners
• Mastering Miters
• Sew Sensational Pillows
• Designer Home Sewing
• Sew Easy
• Sew Easy Bags
• Sew Easy Scarves

Here Linda is showing us how a pattern is made.  Kathy is putting her last few updates on this pattern that is about to be released.   It is a wonder anyone goes into the pattern making business when you hear how long the process takes and what is involved.

Off the beaten path in the town of Topeka Kansas The Sewing Workshop is tucked inside this antique brick two story building occupying the entire 1st floor (and basement for storage)  Her store is full of beautiful fabrics and notions and garments that provide inspiration and opportunity for creating some distinctive garments. In the front of the store there are sewing machines along one long wall, set up and ready for sewing classes.  were    

 In the front of the Sewing Workshop there is an area set aside for teaching

This is Erin, she is behind the scenes at The Sewing Workshop.  I loved her fresh ideas and sunny take on everything.  She submits articles to magazines and teaches some of the classes.

Here Linda Lee shares a new pattern that they are in the throws of finishing.  We really liked the skirt pattern and it has arrived to market faster than my posting this blog.  http://sewingworkshop.com/shop/new-products?page=shop.browse&category_id=52

This is the Eureka top and skirt.  I am looking at fabric to make this in.  My Mom gets all of Linda's patterns shipped automatically so we got this pattern right away.

I really enjoyed how Linda and company enthusiastically bubbled on about the new patterns they had coming out.  They showed us some inspirational pieces they used when gathering ideas for a new pattern. Linda took us on a tour of her facility where we saw her video's, fabrics, notions, accessories, and racks of made to perfection samples, many which were going out in the mail to stores carrying her patterns as samples.

I really enjoy reading Linda's blog http://sewingworkshop.com/blogs there I find her patterns made up by class attendees and samples by Linda, Erin and Kathy. 

Some of Linda's older patterns were discontinued, and now are offered by a down loadable e pattern.  Kathy talked to us about E patterns and how they work.  They are doing well for those sewers who desire  patterns quickly. 

To download Linda Lee's patterns:

Downloading Sewing Patterns can be fast, easy and convenient. Linda's article offers great tips and tricks to make the downloading process a little easier!
DOWNLOAD -- PRINT -- SEW!
Every pattern company is different. Curious how our ePatterns work? Download our instructions: ePATTERNS-downloadinstructions.pdf.

There are advantages and disadvantages to consider before downloading a sewing pattern. The cost of a pattern download is less than buying a printed pattern. But the best part is the instant gratification: Buy it now and wear it tomorrow. I had to look into this a bit.  This article from Sew News was helpful

http://www.sewnews.com/articles/online_sewing_patterns

-Kathy was working out the latest pattern.  We got a sneak look at the samples – can’t wait until the pattern comes out this month – just my style

Back of store has beautiful fabrics that she collects for inspiration and to make samples of her patterns. These fabrics are for sale on her website too
http://sewingworkshop.com/shop
(Lucky for us!)

Linda recommended stitch magazine.  She showed us the jacket that is featured in the latest Winter 2012 magazine on p.49 sewdaily.com the features rectangle coat  byLinda Lee  Also Fall 2012 featured sewing with knits byLinda Lee
Secrets for mastering this versatile fabric
PLUS: Bonus T-shirt Project!

The three of us went to lunch at noon driving to her favorite Mexican food place.  We have known each other for nearly 20 years so we spent lunch reminiscing about our past projects and people and the good old days of "The Sewing Workshop" when she was in San Francisco.  It was nice to catch up from our last visit when Linda was a speaker at a trunk show in Sacramento.  We hope to see her again in February when we attend the The Sewing and Stitchery Expo is the largest consumer sewing show in America. The 2013 dates are: February 28, March 1-3, 2013, at the Puyallup Fair & Events Center in Puyallup, Washington.  http://www.sewexpo.com/about-expo.htm

Ladies Bus trip to Stone Mountain and Daughter

Last weekend I went on a bus trip with the Haute Couture Societe.  It is a wonderful way to spend a slightly rainy day.  Our first stop was at Stone Mountain and Daughter fabric and sewing store in Berkeley.  This store has been in business at this location for many years. They must have the largest selection of quilt fabrics I have ever seen, and they have a huge selection of knits, wools, and specialty evening fabrics.

http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/

 


Up stairs is where you will find the sale bolts, all 50%off.  I found a gray snake skin pattern knit that I will make a top in.  (of course will she you later the final project.)











My personal favorite instructor would be Sandra Betzina  My mom knows Sandra, and from the times I have met her I can tell you she is vivacious and excited about sewing.  She is the host of the Power Sewing WebTV Show and designs a full line of patterns for Vogue under the Today's Fit Tab. She has produced a skill series of 11DVDs and is the author of: More Fabric Savvy, Fast Fit and Power Sewing Step-by-Step. Her new book, The Power Sewing Toolbox: Tips & Techniques.  Sandra is also a popular speaker and hosts several week-long Sewing Retreats in San Francisco throughout the year. For more information about Sandra Betzina and Power Sewing visit www.powersweing.com.  I also loved this Sandra Bitzini Skirt with layered fabric strips in a stripe.  There was a class scheduled to teach these techniques.

  
 


  
 
 
 
 

 Upstairs is the classroom where the very best instructors teach(http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/sewing-classes.htm With over 150 classes in their catalog it was no surprise that a class was busy sewing up skirts and I loved the teachers skirt, a vogue patter that has been discontinued darn it.  She was clearly an accomplished sewer and as I listened to her teaching she was a very good teacher too.  The offer a lot of sewing classes, and bring in top notch teachers to share their expertise too.

They have a full selection of patterns, including independent company patterns.  They had one binder filled with discontinued independent patterns, now that is a find!  (Here I am sharing pattern ideas with fellow member.)











I would say this place is a quilter's paradise.  They have wonderful cotton prints for quilts. 

The cutting tables were filled with ladies grabbing pieces of their favorite fabrics.  The walls to the back of the store were filled with sewing notions.  I like that they always have things on sale.  Check out http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/special-offers.htm for special online offers.



To keep up with the store events and trends in sewing why not read their blog http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/daughters-blog.htm  You can follow along with co-owner and Daughter, Suzan Steinberg as she talkes about the store, Berkley and her favorite things to make.   I'll tell more about our bus trip tomorrow.

Jonelle