Bella Vista Tile: Material Alchemy

“Cascade Dream”.

Lisa TeviaClark has immersed herself in the material language of her medium. For the past thirty years she has experimented with clay and the alchemy of heat, salt, ash, minerals, and glazes. With her husband James Clark, she established Bella Vista Tile in 2003, as both a limited production studio and a laboratory. Her careful study of ancient Chinese wood ash glazes provides the inspiration for a contemporary interpretation. Every tree specimen, from Bull Pine to Madrone, interacts with the earth in its own way, resulting in an ash that is completely unique. More than fifty glazes adorn the tile collections, supporting TeviaClark’s desire "to make many different visual realities with tile."

Making their own molds, hand pressing the clay, mixing and developing custom glazes, glazing by hand, carving and impressing bas relief patterns, together with the intimate and delicate dance of high firing, contributes to the artisanal nature of the tile. Originally creating hand thrown vessels, platters and tableaux (clay icons), TeviaClark transfers the individual nature of her former art into the character of her tile. Each is complete and has the potential to transform the space in which it resides. "I usually get a strong sense of what our tile can bring to the atmosphere," she says, "what our tile can contribute. I’m very aware of how our tile becomes part of the place."    

A visit several years ago to hot glass artist David Goldhagen resulted in bringing home buckets of glass, broken shards, powders, chunks, the raw materials with which to experiment and ultimately to give birth to a new collection. "Fascinations" brings together porcelain and glass. It consists of delicate carvings, bas-relief dimensionality, matte and metallic glazes together with fragments of glass. Melted and merged, when fired, each tile is a window of light and a well of saturated color. They are reminiscent of stained glass but with light glowing from beneath, an effect made possible by the variable reflective depths of the glass. 

 “Denim & Carnival” glass on Porcelain tile.

When she saw that customers were reproducing sample boards as kitchen focal points, TeviaClark was inspired to create elaborate panels incorporating stones, gems, pearls, and ceramic medallions. Ornate, richly colored mosaics, they offer malleable concepts for materials and textures that invite close observation.

“Mosaic Bouquet”.

The work of Bella Vista Tile is an antidote to the demise of beauty in the world. "I see that beauty is diminishing in the world. More and more, spaces feel stark and oppressive. When I encounter something beautiful I feel human and somehow cared for. I want to create art that speaks to and gives comfort to the souls of sensitive people." Encouragingly, she adds, "I believe we are all sensitive people."

Decor Resources:

Bella Vista Tile: Lisa TeviaClark & James Clark

The Soul-stirring, Mesmerizing Artwork of Ann Marshall

I attend many art shows, meet with a wonderful selection of talented artists, and have an inbox overflowing with requests by artists and artisans for review of their work. From all those exposures, some truly artistic gems surface that capture my heart, soul and imagination. Ann Marshall is one of those creative finds whose artwork holds a powerful grip on my creative spirit. I’m delighted to share a few of my favorite collages and paintings from Ann’s collection with you today.

In the artist’s own words, she describes the inspiration and creative drive behind her hauntingly beautiful art work.

Beige: This is actually a portrait of a math specialist who works at a private school in Manhattan. For this work I wanted to do something a little more dramatic composition wise (the subject was completely game) and was inspired by early Hollywood Glamour shots. At a certain point I became so frustrated with the work’s progress, I angrily turned it to the wall and went on to other projects. I finally came back to it a few weeks later and easily finished it in two days.

Sometimes you just have to be patient.

Garden: This was a commission by the beautiful Kristen Bronson (yes, she has all of those tattoos in real life). Kristen was a great client in that she trusts the artist to do what they will, but only asked that she be pictured with her little dog, Charlie. When I went for the shoot, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do but Kristen, who is a quilter, has a pile of red tulle sitting in her bedroom. I fashioned a makeshift ball gown type skirt and the whole piece flowed from there.

Lauren: Lauren came to my studio wearing a simple white dress. I hung a piece of blue satin behind her and borrowed a neighboring studio’s great antique chair. I tweaked the colors of her outfit to simplify the color scheme and went for a look that was classic and pleasantly languid. The tone in my work can vary greatly, but I evaluate the purpose of each piece and proceed accordingly. My fine art work can be a little more demented and moody, but with commissioned portraits I keep the purpose of the work in mind.

Sunshine and Molasses: Andrea’s simple outfit and striking looks made a graphic solution the best one. I found this great yellow paper and collaged the floor to add a little color. The solution is both classic and modern and the subject’s colorful personality shows through.

Olivia: If every piece could be as easy as Olivia was…I had just finished a project I really labored over (which frankly wasn’t so great) and Olivia was to be what I refer to as a “palette cleanser” piece –that is something quick just to do something quick to clear my head. I drew a picture of a curious little girl (she is no one in particular) and combined it with some great poppy patterned tissue paper I had bought months before, and the entire piece just popped immediately. Its one of the most popular things I’ve ever made.

About Ann Marshall

One can say that art was a passion for Ann since early childhood. She tells us, “I have been drawing as long as I can remember. As a child, my artistic inspiration came mostly from cartoons and animation, and I used to get up early on Saturday mornings, fix myself a bowl of Life cereal, and settle down to hours of cartoons with my tool box full of crayons and black felt tip pen”.

After art school, Ann illustrated children’s books for a bit until coming to the conclusion that illustrating children’s books wasn’t a good fit. She wanted to pursue another artistic direction, and started building her portfolio, while at the same time maintaining a pragmatic view on how she was to fund her artistic dreams, Ann explains, “ I had a very tiny apartment and lived modestly. Meanwhile, to pay the bills I started traveling around the country (and sometimes outside) for a consumer research firm conducting on site studies of retail environments. This experience was invaluable, not so much for the exposure to consumer America (I grew disenchanted with that world), but because of the extensive travel to all parts of our country–good and bad.”  Ann has invaluable advice for artists of all ages, and one that may also apply to all career fields- definitely a resource to be bookmarked and referred to often.

As her portfolio grew, so did a following for her work, “I began to exhibit here and there and take on commissioned projects. I eventually had a small show at the Gallery at Lincoln Center ” she shares.  Her experience at the Lincoln Center exhibit proved pivotal, as Ann confides ”[the] experience proved so professionally rewarding, I felt like I had finally found my calling.”

Ann goes on to say, “with my current work, I try to combine contemporary and traditional means of working to produce work that is both compelling and relevant to the viewer. Otherwise, I live modestly with my boyfriend and our two cats and make art, ride my bike, and enjoy everything my beautiful city has to offer.”

Ann will have her artwork on exhibit (part of a group exhibition) at the London Miles Gallery from November 12th to December 6th 2010- details below:

Exhibition Title: The Idol Hours
Address:

Westborne Studios
242 Acklam Road, Studio 303
W10 5JJ U.K.
(44) 020 317 08618

CONTACT

• Ann Marshall Art
• Ann Marshall Art on Facebook

Amy Butler

Amy Butler is a creative designer known for her sophisticated, yet relaxed modern approach to printed fabrics and products for home, fashion, and craft. Through her books, website, and patterns for sewing, Amy has helped to inspire a new generation of young women to “find their own style.”

Her uniquely fresh print-on-print design approach is apparent in all of the products under her brand, and a personal commitment to quality, creativity, and sustainability keep her international business blooming!

Amy works from her studio in Central Ohio with her husband, cats, and a small staff of amazing friends.

Tell us about your business, Amy Butler Designs.

I have a design business with my husband David, we work from our home studio in Central Ohio. I create textile designs for sewing and home decor fabrics, and I have a full collection of fun sewing patterns focused on fashion and accessories for you and your home.

Over the past four years I have slowly expanded my product mix to include wall art, organic bedding and towels, hand made rugs, stationery, craft and how-to books, home office and fashion bags. It’s been a journey, learning and growing through all of the changes in the business and I am so thankful I get to work alongside my amazing studio mates, without them, this would not be possible. One of the best parts about our business is watching everyone grow, it’s incredible, I’m so blessed.

What inspired you to pursue this business?

I’ve always been creative, I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an artist. I learned a lot from my mom and grandmother and I have always received support from family and friends. After I met my husband, David, at design school we knew that we wanted to make our love for art and design into our livelihood. I am so grateful that I have had all of the opportunities that have come my way. Now with a full fledged business the thrill to create something new, and by hand that will touch people’s lives is very exciting.

We’re not motivated by money, it’s a hunger to stay innovative and keep making and creating. My personal creative time and business creative time are one in the same. There is a wonderful overlap in how I feel fulfilled, all of my personal interests feed into my creativity in the studio and vice a versa. I never live the same day twice so I feel fresh and alive every time I approach a new project. I know that makes a big difference and explains why I feel so satisfied with what I’m making.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

My inspirations continue to evolve; it’s interesting to see what excites me next. I’m fortunate to live with another artist who shares similar passions. I love working on my home and garden and antiquing and hunting for special finds always lights a creative fire for me. I fill my wardrobe with odd bits of clothing from vintage to affordable designer… I love looking at fashion and experimenting with my own pieces.

Nature is my never-ending resource for color and design inspiration. I love spending time in my garden in every season. I’m a plant collector and I love the intricate designs in flowers and foliage as well as the amazing color combinations.

Travel also jump starts a lot of ideas for me. I have traveled all over the world in the past few years, to many places that have been Mecca locations for me such as India and Indonesia. I’ve always been inspired by ethnic textiles, culture and colors and to actually visit places I’ve researched and dreamed about has completely enriched my life.

Tell us about a favorite decorating or remodeling project.

Ahhhh, my new kitchen! We just finished it ( well almost, we still have to add tile to the back splash ) but for the most part it’s been up and running for eight months now. The kitchen is the most important room in my house, especially now since we opened up the space so everyone can hang out with me while I’m cooking.

David designed the entire project so the room is extra special. He created gorgeous natural wood finishes and warm stone surfaces and loads of space to spread out, and put my friends to work at the cutting boards. He thought of all the little extras and used every inch of space for storage and ease of use. He also had to accommodate my ever growing dish collection.A girl can’t control her love for entertaining with fun dishes right? He’s sweet, he lets me get away with it as long as I keep cooking for him.

What’s your personal design style? Has it evolved over time?

Casual, warm, eclectic and vintage modern. It’s evolved and has also stayed the same. My heart of heart passions and visual loves never change, but the places I’ve lived, people I meet and places I’ve travelled have all influenced my creative eye and tastes.

Describe your dream room.

I’m ready to do this tomorrow! Really most homes and spaces you’d find in Australian Vogue or British Elle Decor magazine where folks combine vintage modern pieces with eclectic textiles and antiques. I totally relate to the lifestyle in Australia ( and England ); I love their perspective and wanton use of color, print and texture.. all in a very warm and sophisticated way. Right now I’m in between deep cozy violet or navy blue and or tropical greens. I’ve got a thing for Kelly green these days…. orange and hot pink too but I don’t think I can talk David into it.

Many of us have a product we bought for our home-that now makes us think-”what was I thinking” – do you have one?

Oh, many. Who doesn’t ? Ya know, most of these purchases tend to happen at IKEA. I think I get hypnotized by the fun Danish names and find myself bringing home something because it’s cute. We tend to “repurpose” these items as quickly as possible.

What’s your favorite color or paint swatch?

That changes daily! I love color and obsess about it constantly. Currently, my favorite wall color ( or one I’m toying with painting in my family room ) is a luscious deep navy-esque blue by Ralph Lauren; number: RL IB96 called “Arcadia Blue”.  It reminds me of the background color in my “Midnight Water Bouquet” fabric.

What are your five favorite pieces of home décor from your home or elsewhere?

Ooooh, fun question.

1. My new Artaissance Wall art (Art That Fits).  I had the artwork placed all over my house for a photo shoot, and I love living with it.
2. My Room and Board couches. I just recently placed them in our family room the ” tree house room ” and they are the perfect conversational couches. Great for hanging out with friends, watching TV and the cats love napping on them. Everyone wins.
3. My Eames rocking chair. I’ve always loved rocking chairs since I was a little kid. This rocker is comfy and smooth. I love turning out all the lights at night, putting on my headphones and mellowing out to music with my IPod. I usually fall asleep in the rocker, so that means it’s working…
4. My two new IKEA wicker rocking chairs. Because when it comes to rockers more is more. These rockers are a design masterpiece, and at $138 each you can’t believe the price and value. They are gorgeous. We have them placed at our big picture window wall in our tree house room where we are currently staring at wild birds and our pretty Christmas tree. We call this area the “time waster” or  “procrastination alley” It’s dangerous, I find myself there every morning wanting to sip away cup after cup of coffee. It’s beautiful.
5. Our nature collection. Dave and I have a huge collection of bits and bobs from nature. Pretty shells, stones and feathers from vacations or our backyard. We circulate them throughout the house and change them out constantly in our feature vignettes.

What’s your favorite room at home? Why is it your favorite?

It’s the room at that time with the most people and cats.  I love my house. It’s my home for life. It’s just perfect for Dave and me, and the way we live. With an open floor plan, the entire top floor feels connected and that’s where we spend most of our time. All the key living spaces are here; the kitchen, tree house room and living room with entry.

Who’s your favorite designer?

David Butler of Art of the Midwest. He also happens to be an incredible songwriter,singer, and drummer in his rock band the Black Owls. Of course, he designs all the cool band logos and graphics!  Check them out at Black Owls on MySpace. You’ll be smitten too!

Do you have a decorating design or remodeling tip you’d like to share with thedecoratingdiva.com readers?

Yes. I have to tell you about my best friend Kevin Reiner who is an incredible designer. Oh my,  you have to check out his website, Firmly Planted, it’s gorgeous! He’s such a massive talent, I’m so proud to know him. I’ve witnessed Kevin renovate and lovingly design homes for himself and clients.

The biggest tip I can offer up is one of Kevin’s. He’s so smart and organized. When he is preparing to renovate and demolish or deconstruct a home or room,he packs everything. I mean everything up and stores all of the art,home decor, kitchen and bath items in clear plastic tubs and places them in storage until the renovation is complete.

He only keeps the necessities on hand and moves out all of “life’s clutter” to both protect it and keep your living space sane while all of the construction is going on. This way you’re not on top of all your belongings that you don’t need right away and it helps you manage the dirt and stress that’s involved in this process.

The other beautiful thing that happens is that in the end, you realize you don’t need so much stuff, and you end up not missing all of the pieces and moving them on to someone else who needs them or will love them. Dave and I are saving money to finish the renovation on our home. We want to complete our bathrooms, bedroom and guest room. Our goal is to use the “Kevin technique” and make our transition a sane one.

What are your favorite blogs or home design/improvement websites- and why?

• Design Sponge – Incredible design for life can be found here, from great interiors to amazing recipes.
• Decor8 – Holly is a creative fire and I love her point of view and resources for craft and home.
• SFgirlbybay – I love Victoria’s style and beautiful photographs, plus personally, she has great taste in music.
• Ecosalon – great style with sustainability in mind.
• Enjoyco.net – An amazing new web site and blog created by my very talented friend Monique Keegan. Monique also has a beautiful shop just down the street from my house ( dangerous! ) her style is vintage. natural, earthy, modern and sophisticated… she has gorgeous taste and a personality plus to boot!

What are your favorite books?

There are too many! Here’s a few.

• Isle Crawford’s Sensual Home
• Bohemian Modern / Living in Silver Lake
• The Greater Perfection, the story of the Gardens at Les Quatre Vents
• Garden & Cosmos, The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur
• India in Words & Image

Contact Information

• Website: Amy Butler Design
• Shop Amy Butler Art: Art That Fits

All images copyright of respective owners.

The Decorating Diva LLC would like to thank Amy Butler for sharing her inspirational, joyful, creative nature, her richly patterned and beautifully colored designs from textiles to printed artwork, and her wonderful design recommendations and decorating tips.

Eleanor Moreton

While attending the New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) Art Fair at the renowned Deauville hotel in Miami Beach last December, I found myself mesmerized by three paintings created by artist, Eleanor Moreton – one of four artists in the exhibit “Four Women” curated by Jack Hanley Gallery – and wanted to learn more about her and her artwork.

The artist, Eleanor Moreton, commenting on the painted queens series, “I’ve done lots of queen paintings. They are also a site for a similar struggle where I want to break through. I want to make paintings of women where they are actually shouting. The queen paintings are not always queens, they are all sorts of women and making them break through and make some impact is hard; it doesn’t go with my character to do that. I have a tendency to want to keep faces out of paintings and I used a modernist device, the mask, to do what masks are for, which is to make an impact, to speak. Perhaps we need a mask in order to speak out. ” – from Eleanor’s interview with Articulated Artists.

Painting: Bet/h I with Crown, 24 x 30 cms, Oil on canvas (2009)

According to Jack Hanley Gallery, ”…Eleanor Moretonʼs paintings call into question the relationship of authoritative women and symbolic masculine attire. She seamlessly glosses together polemic historical images to create new potentials.”

Art and Design critic, Robert Clark of The Guardian has said of Eleanor’s artwork, “Eleanor Moreton’s paintings verge so dangerously on being downright bad, I suspect they might be very good indeed.”

Painting: Bet/h I, III, 24 x 30 cms, Oil on canvas (2009)

CommentArt.com excavates the superficial, visual aspects of Eleanor’s artwork to find the underlying essence,  “There are a number of themes which run through Eleanor Moreton’s work. These themes reflect her interest in psychoanalysis and gender, in history and literature. What links them is a commitment to the imaginary, the fictional and a preoccupation with the way the images of the imagination become paintings.”

Resources:

• Eleanor Moreton
• Jack Hanley Gallery
• CommentArt.com
• ”Exhibition preview: Eleanor Moreton, Sunderland”, Robert Clark, The Guardian, Oct 11, 2008
• “Eleanor Moreton Talks to Articulated”, Articulated Artists, May 21, 2009

Photo Credits: The Decorating Diva, LLC

Urban Rustic Living Room Decor Look Book

Living Room Decor: Urban Rustic Chic (view furniture and decor details).

Images copyright of respective owners.

Jill Seidner of Jill Seidner Interior Design: Style Maker Look Book

Decor Shopping Resources for Jill Seidner’s Modern Nursery Design: Style Maker Look Book.

Concept board for the modern nursery design project developed by Jill is shown below (with additional details).

About Jill Seidner Interior Design

Los Angeles & Orange County,California based interior design firm Jill Seidner Interior Design specializes in commercial and residential interior design projects. In addition, Jill Seidner Interior Design, provides on site design consultations (for specialty needs such as color consultations and space planning), and virtual interior design services including an affordable complete room design package.

About Jill Seidner

Jill Seidner is a graduate of the Interior & Environmental Design Program at UCLA.She has over ten years of experience working freelance for top interior designers in Los Angeles (including past celebrity clients).  In 2007, Jill started her own design firm, Jill Seidner Interior Design, and has since taken on a range of interior design projects. Jill is the Los Angeles contributor to the popular design blog, Material Girls.

CONTACT

• Web: Jill Seidner Interior Design
• Facebook : Become a fan of Jill Seidner Interior Design

RELATED: Jill Seidner’s Interior Design Portfolio on The Decorating Diva, LLC.

Images copyright of respective owners.

Modern Nursery Decor:Jill Seidner’s Style Maker Look Book

{ DESIGN LOOK BOOK} Jill Seidner of Jill Seidner Interior Design: Style Maker Look Book {SEATING} Knoll Kids Womb Chair -  by Eero Saarinen – Ella and Elliott { DECOR & ACCESSORIES} Graphic Reversible Pillow – City by Jeanice S – Ella and Elliott {  CHANGING TABLE} Eicho Change Table by Spot On Square -  Ella and Elliott {ART WORK} Art Mobile – Circles by M Richards - Ella and Elliott

{ LIGHTING } Bubble Lamp – Saucer by George Nelson – Ella and Elliott { DECOR & ACCESSORIES} Handcrafted Tiggy Tiger by Blabla – Ella and Elliott { CRIBS} Eicho Crib by Spot On Square – Ella and Elliott {ART WORK} Binth Alphabet Print by Binth – Ella and Elliott

Images copyright of respective owners

Kristen Stein of Studio Artworks

Kristen Stein is an award-winning Contemporary Artist living in Suburban Philadelphia.  Kristen’s works are currently available on a variety of online venues, boutiques and galleries throughout the US.

Her art has appeared in numerous printed media including posters, books, CD Covers, calendars and program covers. She is the author/illustrator of the children’s books “The Vegetarian Lion” and “Oh Sweet Child of Mine” and the author of “Kristen Stein Contemporary Paintings”.

Kristen’s art has been featured in a number of solo and group exhibitions. In addition, her artwork has been selected to appear in an upcoming film ‘The Roommate” and a new FOX TV Show called “Past Life” both airing in 2010. Her collaborative work “Spirit of Autumn Fire” can be seen in several episodes of “Warehouse 13″ on the SYFY Channel.

Tell us about your  business.

I’m a full-time, professional artist and illustrator from Suburban Philadelphia. I work primarily with acrylics on canvas and mixed media. I offer a range of contemporary art including rustic tree landscapes, minimalist atmospheric landscapes, and whimsical enchanted gardens. My illustrations are wild and whimsical and great fun for the children’s books that I’ve illustrated.

My website is Studio Artworks where I offer original paintings, framed ceramic tiles, prints, handcrafted jewelry and other art-related gift items. In addition to my website, I create artwork for several galleries, boutiques, and museum shops throughout the US.  Throughout the year, I participate in art festivals and wholesale/retail craft shows as I enjoy being able to meet my customers in person to discuss my artwork and meet other artists and designers. I am currently working at offering my work wholesale to boutiques, catalogs, museum shops as well as licensing my designs for commercial use in product design, print, TV and film.

What inspired you to pursue this business?

I have been creating art for friends and as gifts for several decades, but I started selling my artwork as a business about 10 years. It began as a part-time passion while I was working on my dissertation in Economics at the University of Virginia. I still use a lot of my economics background on the business side of my art career, but my creative side won out and I started selling my artwork full-time in early 2000. I absolutely love what I do and am thrilled that I am able to do it on a full-time basis.

Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

As an artist, I am influenced by nearly everything that I read, see and hear.  I paint from everyday experiences, images, conversations, etc.  Even the most mundane can be converted into a beautiful painting with the swirl of a brush.  Some of my works start with detailed sketches while others are created from a blank canvas layer by layer until the final painting is achieved.

I like to work in a wide range of styles and materials as this allows me to keep my art fresh and new.  My minimalist landscape paintings, for example, allow me to experiment with color and texture while capturing the beauty of a wide open meadow, a line of skinny trees along the road, a field of tall grasses, the great expanse of the ocean, etc.  Many of these pieces are influenced by time spent in Colorado, California and Spain.

My enchanted garden series allows me to capture a world of my imagination where birds, snakes, plants, flowers, trees, butterflies, etc. can be expressed in a wild whimsical way. They are bold, bright and wonderfully fun to create. 

My art-deco cubist paintings are my story-telling paintings.  This style allows me to capture a certain sentiment or tell a story in the painting.  The cubist aspects are influenced by the works of Picasso and Gris while the art deco aspects are influenced by the advertising, design and travel posters of the 1930s. Paintings influenced by September 11th, Hurricane Katrina and the deaths of my grandmothers are among the works in the art deco cubist collection.

What’s your personal design style? Has it evolved over time?

I have relatively simple taste. I tend to favor a more streamlined, minimalist approach to decorating and design. As with fashion, my tastes are simple, laid back, uncomplicated. Of course….if you saw my home, you’d know that my art gets in the way of my ideal vision….as I have art supplies and materials in nearly every room of the house. (You never know when inspiration is going to hit! ) I asked a friend to describe my style.  She said that when she first met me and found out that I was an artist, she was very curious about what my house would look like inside. When she first saw the home, she said “It looks exactly as I expected”. Her words were ‘casual elegance with artistic flair’. I like the sound of that!

Many of us have a product we bought for our home-that now makes us think-”what was I thinking” -  do you have one?

On the art front: My husband would probably say the abundance of 8ft stretched canvas that I bought.  My reasoning was that they were a great price on sale, but I had to buy about 25 of them!  More often than not, I have to remove them from the stretcher bars in order to ship the massive paintings, so this leaves a lot of extra, unused stretcher bars.  I love painting on large canvas, but storing them is another story!

For the home: There’s a single, greatly-overstuffed chair that I purchased to match the sofa in our living room.  My husband always felt that it was one piece too many for the room.  But, now a year later, it’s his favorite chair. I always catch him sitting in it reading to himself or to our daughter.  So, I feel I made the right decision.

Describe your dream room.

I love simplicity. Minimalist style….with just the essentials represented. Not one to add a lot of ornamental detail and display elements. I love each room to look like a miniature art gallery, so the rooms would definitely be adorned with original paintings and sculptures. As for colors, I love the colors of the Mediterranean. They are soft, inviting and add an element of warmth that is comforting and put people at ease. I love the feel of the beach and the view of the ocean shore, so I would definitely try to incorporate that feeling into the room.

Tell us about a favorite home decorating or remodeling project.

Well, that would be two projects that are currently in their planning stages.  We have an outdoor screened-in sun room. We’d love to fully enclose the room and have it extend from our family room. Ideally, it would become my studio with an outside entrance and French doors leading to the family room. The other project ‘in the works’ is our kitchen.  We bought a beautiful old 1930s Tudor. The home is fantastic with many art deco features throughout the home. But, the kitchen is in need of updating. It is a galley-style kitchen…long and narrow. We want to open up the kitchen to take advantage of the light and allow for a greater ‘gathering’ space. Needs to be a room where we can entertain friends and allow people to congregate while food and/or drinks are prepared.

What’s your favorite color or paint swatch?

I LOVE Ralph Lauren paint colors. Especially the colors and textures in the River Rocks collection. Do I have to pick just one?  If so, it would probably be Ralph Lauren Canyon Fossil ( ).

We used Eastern Amber (Behr) ( ) for our dining room. My husband is from Spain and this muted mango orange color gave a perfect Mediterranean feel to the room.

For creating my paintings on canvas, I love using ( )Burnt Sienna by Lukas Cryl Studios.

What are your five favorite pieces of home décor from your home or elsewhere?

• My grandmother used to collect sea glass from the shores of Kelleys Island in Lake Erie. I use a lot of the pieces she found in the jewelry I create on my website. I also filled a vase with the sea glass pieces and display crystal dogwood branches in the vase. It’s so cheerful and pretty to see when you enter the dining room and I just love seeing the light reflect off the glass.
• We have wonderful wooden furniture made by my dad. I love the clocks that he’s made for us and a gorgeous side table that he made when I got married. They are heirloom pieces that will be cherished.
• I have paintings from many artists displayed throughout our home. In most cases, these paintings were purchased directly from the artist and hold a special  place in my heart. Not only do I consider these artists friends, but I love that I was able to talk with them directly about their painting and design process. It makes each piece much more special.
• I have a wonderful sculpture from Paul Rigby, whom I met at a group exhibit in which we both participated. He loved one of my paintings, I loved one of his sculptures and we traded from our collection.  I love seeing the piece as I walk through our dining room.
• I found a wonderful metal sculpture of a couple. They are greatly elongated and greatly out of proportion, but I absolutely love their odd bodies and the way the light shines through them and casts an even more odd and long shadow on the wall. A bit haunting…yet beautiful.

What’s your favorite room at home? Why is it your favorite?

I love our dining room. It’s painted in the Eastern Amber, Mediterranean shade that is so inviting. It’s a comfortable room with great light.  It also has gorgeous stained glass windows that are original to the 1932 home. It’s a wonderful room to chat and enjoy coffee with a friend, or sit down for a full dinner party. Easily my favorite room of the house.

Who are your favorite designers?

I honestly can’t say that I have a favorite designer.  Not being an interior designer, I have immense respect for all designers, their tips and expertise. I’ll leave the choosing of favorites to those ‘in the know’.

What are your favorite blogs or home design/improvement websites?

• Decor8 : Holly has a beautiful blog full of wonderful decorating and design tips. Lovely to look at….helpful to read. I love it.
• Design*Sponge: Love this site! Gotta love a site that features finds inspired by “Labyrinth” … one of my favorite movies!
• MyShoppingConnection and IndieSpotting: Love Erika’s finds on all things handmade. Great site. Bright and cheerful and always full of great finds!
• ScoutieGirl Blog: I love Tara’s enthusiasm for all-things handmade. She’s such a wonderful advocate for artists and is dedicated to helping advance the handmade movement.
• Unique Women in Business:  An amazing group of business women helping and supporting one another as they grow their business.

What are your favorite books, design shows and/or magazines?

• Have always loved Architectural Digest. Great way to daydream and wish that you live in one of the homes profiled in the magazine.
• In honor of my dad, I definitely have to choose This Old House. Countless magazines and TV episodes were watched. They bring back fond memories when I see the episodes now with my husband and our daughter.
• I enjoy the modern home plans, design tips and products featured in DWELL magazine. Always something that catches my eye, or inspires me with lines or geometry.
• Living, Etc – Great design tips, decorating advice and wonderful photos.
• Home & Design Magazine. More great pictures, design tips and features.

Is there a design  or decorating tips you’d like to share with The Decorating Diva.com readers?

Since I’m not an interior designer by trade, I think I will leave the decorating and remodeling tips to the professionals. But, as a fine artist, I can offer a little advice about caring for original paintings.

Here’s a tip about how to care for a painting on canvas when the stretched canvas starts to loosen.  If the canvas starts to pucker, or stretch away from the stretchers, you can usually turn the painting over and spritz the back of the canvas lightly with water. Or, lightly rub a damp sponge on the back of the canvas.  When the canvas dries, it will tighten up the sagging spot. Also, if you plan to hang your painting unframed, you can wire the painting directly from the wooden stretcher bars on the stretched canvas. But, if you frame the painting, the wiring should be done to the actual frame to avoid stretching the painting.

Contact Details:

Original paintings, framed ceramic tiles, prints and handcrafted jewelry available through Kristen’s website “Studio Artworks”.

Website: Studio Artworks

Twitter: Kristen Stein Art on Twitter

Facebook: Kristen Stein Fine Art on Facebook

LinkedIn: Kristen Stein Fine Art at LinkedIn

The Decorating Diva, LLC would like to thank Kristen Stein for sharing her beautiful artwork, inspirational artistic journey and her wonderful advice on caring for fine artwork.

12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 6}

The 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day by Day}

• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 1}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 2}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 3}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 4}
•  12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 5}
•  12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 6}
•  12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 7}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 8}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 9}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 10}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 11}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 12} 

All images copyright of respective owners.

12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 5}

The 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day by Day}

• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 1}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 2}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 3}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 4}
•  12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 5}
•  12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 6}
•  12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 7}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 8}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 9}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 10}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 11}
• 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 12}

All images copyright of respective owners.