The Prairie by Rachael Ashwell / Seminar 2012

Every room had one of these!

As well as these!

Tiny store at the Inn - gorgeous! All the beds looked like this in the Inn too!

 

Apparently the little building the store is housed in was moved from one property to the Prairie... Amazing!

So after being swept away to another land called Texas, I was excited to quietly wander from room to room viewing the incredible simplicity and beauty of the Prairie Inn!  Rachael Ashwell is a visionary and if you know Shabby Chic you know who she is. With 8 books, an international brand and some enormous complicated growth issues and how she put things behind to start again. Her story is remarkable and I think took a strong individual to keep moving through it all and open her 4 new stores in London, NY, LA and the petite store on her property in Round Top Texas. A delight!

Prairie by Rachael Ashwell

She really is soulful, and we lucky odd 20 + women got to see her inspiration through her eyes, her sense of touch in her fabrics and an amazing 4 days of rose scented rooms. Her Inn is nestled in the meadows of Texas between Houston and Austin, and down a long windy dirt road. It was lovely to appear at the gate, and see the purple headed blue bonnets as far as the eye could see.  It was a cloudy day on friday but warm and you could smell the wet grass and slight smell of spring.

I have to say I am invigorated, since my little journey to Round Top, and rejuvinated in many wats! Even my hair is curly again, don't ask. So here I sit about to head into my corporate lifestyle with conference calls and busy schedules, deadlines and marketing to-dos. But all is good in the studio after what I just saw! And wow, am I ready to launch my clothing, handbags, totes and accessories to you... This weekend has given me a shove right out of the door!
Go to it!

Love you all, see you soon
t
ps I'll be posting more about my stay at the Prairie

Love Yellow/Gold

Via Crush Cul de Sac

Yes I do!

A sweet Day

Simplicity is opulent!

It's so beautiful out today, the bouquet reflects my mood. It's quiet in the studio today. A little bit of the commercial side of my life for a bit and then onto some exciting Melpomene work! Over the weekend I designed and made a new purse called PETITE BOURSE... (little purse). From vintage striped twill in faded sea glass blue, stone and khaki colors, a little surprise of old trim and a leather strap! Pictures will come soon I promise. Also refined my "Couche Couche' Skirt! A skirt for everyone... All for the Melpomene Shop soon....

I am so fortunate to have a large fabric/upholstery shop nearby which has been around so long it has vintage trims and old fabrics... I visit often and wonder around. My favorite tables are the remnant tables... And old bins of vintage swatch fabrics. Oh my. So lots of playtime for me in there! The trim department is isle after isle of library shelves filled with trims. Old and New! Gorgeous!

I am definitely inspired to create something when I spot a fabric or trim. It just shouts out to me. "OOh purse, or cushion, skirt or hat..." It's there! I must say though I am thinking that the items I will share with you for sale will be one of a kind (maybe 3 or 4 will be available but all handmade with their very own twist of fate).

Have a great week, and breathe in some fresh air. I send you kisses.

 

Images from Miss Wall Flower

Celebrate Gray

 

 

 

via little blue deer

 

 

 

 

 

I am so in love with gray today! The texture of grays upon grays is so lovely. It's definitely a natural color slate I am attracted to. Yesterday I created a gorgeous short neck scarf in ivory silk and it's deliciously textured upon itself! Still playing and will perfect for the store! You shall see soon. I am also working on a new necklace! Something that is sweet and simple. I love big clumpy stones in a row but this is definitely on the subtle side... Can't wait to share. It will definitely make the shop!

I have hats and bags on my mind today! Who doesn't love a french vintage straw chapeau!
Surprises in store.
Have a beautiful day.

Old journey but a new venue!

Well, I have been so busy lately and have been working hard on some very commercial projects. I have found that I don't have the time to create for me, so I am launching a new venue for myself. I really shouldn't be adding to my already hectic life but I think this is part of my soul that will not hide anymore. As a seamstress and designer of my own wardrobe (which I have always done even at times when I didn't think I had the energy or time); a need for crochet, beading, embroidery and stitching!! So this is not something added to my plate but enhancing it all!
When I travel, work in the shows for paper gifts, quilts and fabrics I always get these amazing comments about my dress or my bag or my necklace... sometimes they are purchased (like my favorite jewelry designer Laurie Lenfesty of Bittersweet Designs), but for the most part I made these items. Many folks have said the same thing "Where can I get this?". Well maybe it's time...
thus I have opened an Etsy store to keep it clear and away from my commercial work for Cid Pear, Dept 56 and Westminster Fibers textiles; and given it a beautiful name - my grandmother's and now my daughter's middle name, MELPOMENE. Pronounced MEL-POM-ANY. A greek muse from ancient times.

So here on this online journal I shall give this project, I call Melpomene, a voice and a visual exploration of inspiration. I hope you enjoy. For the moment there is nothing in the Etsy store but I will fill it very soon! Stay tuned and wish me luck......
PS here's an inspiration board!