MISS MOOX: 
Search results for My Creative Friends

  • Design Blog Superlatives

    Design Blog Superlatives

    Over the weekend one of my "good friends" gave me a jab in reference to my five steps of closet organizing that I posted about last week. I can't remember what we were talking about but the gist of what she said was this "...maybe you could do it in five steps and then blog about it." It was a good jab. And very funny! Although we are good friends, I totally get that she thinks I am a complete weirdo.

    However, what she fails to realize is that there are, in fact, other "weirdos" like me out there. Something I have thankfully learned in my short blogging career. I know many people think blogs are totally lame and something that only losers with no friends do on a Friday night. Or maybe they are just a way for narcissists to publish their every thought. Or perhaps blogs serve as an outlet for experts to hold their wealth of knowledge over others.

    I don't think I am a loser (although I have read other design blogs on a Friday night). And I don't think that I am a narcissist (I prefer to look myself as self-confident). Nor do I think I am an expert in interior design or organizing. Do I really think that anyone cares to read what my opinion is on say how many pillows should go on a bed? No. In fact, I am shocked when people tell me they even read my blog. Honestly, I love to write and I am very passionate about design so this blog is just another creative outlet for me. I would do it if no one ever read it! (ok, so maybe I am a loser!).

    But that brings me to the point of this post which is that I think the real reason bloggers blog is to connect with other people out there that are just as "weird" as they are. As I discovered yet another great design blog over the weekend and spent WAY too much time reading her old posts...I decided to highlight some of my favorite blogs in the form of high school superlatives. I hope through this that you are able to connect with some fellow "weirdos" as well.

    DESIGN BLOG SUPERLATIVES





    Most Likely To Succeed (in Design)
    Habitually Chic
    Blogger and designer, Heather Clawson, is a stylish woman living in New York who has her hand on the pulse of the design industry providing cutting edge information for her numerous readers. She recently signed on as a featured designer with William Sonoma in their new Designer Series. I expect to see big things from her!


    Best Personality
    Jentrified
    Blogger, Jen West, has a great eye for design but an even greater wit! Something that is very important when dealing with clients. Jen's blog features her fabulous finds, her current design projects as well as humorously illustrating the many highs and lows we all experience while trying to have a career as a designer. Check out her blog, I guarantee you will chuckle out loud!





    Most Popular
    Urban Grace Interiors
    I swear blogger, Erika McPherson, can say "have a good weekend!" and get 167 comments! Her large following is in part due to her amazing design aesthetic and partly because readers genuinely care to know what she is up to! She recently had a beautiful baby girl and is nice enough to share her new found joys of motherhood with the blogging world.


    Most Crafty/Creative
    Little Green Notebook
    Blogger, Jenny Komenda, of Pearl Street Interiors is the MacGyver of DIY projects! She does some amazing work and makes it look so simple while providing a step-by-step guide to her projects. Then you try it and realize how truly talented she really is!


    Best Dressed
    Element of Style
    Blogger, Erin Gates, an interior, fashion and events stylists has great taste in all of the above! I love how she creates "virtual outfits" for us to drool over and especially like when she sources all of the great pieces for the rest of us to duplicate!



    Most Likable
    Chic Coles
    A family of bloggers (mom Wendy and three daughters Cassandra, Melissa and Leslie) for starters, how do you not like that? These ladies are faithful bloggers with fabulous posts full of design images, information and inspiration. And they always leave the sweetest notes on my blog, so big thanks for that!



    Most Photogenic
    House of Turquoise
    I keep thinking, how is she gonna find any more "blue" photos and she yet never disappoints! Blogger, Erin Olson, shares her passion for design and all things turquoise (or any shade of blue for that matter) on her delightful blog full of inspirational interior images!


    Most Artistic
    Style Court
    Blogger, Courtney Barnes, showcases her background in art history with a well-written blog offering its readers a wealth of information on interior design, art, decorative books and more! She has already received accolades for her wonderful blog and as I suspect, there are many more to come!


    Best Looking (Blog)
    Two Ellie
    Paula, has the most visual appealing blog filled with little bits of design, food, fashion, crafts, weddings and fantastic photos of her beautiful family. Although I only know her through the blogging world, she seems like such a genuine person who through her posts, reminds us all what a blessing life can be!


    Most Likely to Skip Class to go Surfing
    Beach Bungalow8
    Bloggers, Megan Samuels is a California based stager and interior designer. Her blog hosts a unique design forum called "the skirted round table" (along with Joni Webb of Cote de Texas and Linda Merrill of ::surroundings::) where they discuss many industry related topics. But perhaps it is her weekly posts entitled "Peace Out" filled with whimsical images that sparked their superlative. Regardless, you will be entertained by this fun yet informative blog!

  • Thanks Mom!

    Thanks Mom!

    No, that is not Ricky Schroder, that is me.
    And yes, I am eating the bread intended for the seagulls. Nice.

    Finally, a chance to tell you how great my mom is! Which is ironic because I don't think she ever reads my blog but anyhoo...my mom is an amazing woman! She is and has always been so self-less putting her kids and husband's needs before her own. Not to mention the fact that she has dedicated her life to helping those less fortunate than herself-she was a social worker, a teacher and now runs a facility for those with special needs. She is a hard worker and a leader who inspires all that have ever worked for or with her. She has always encouraged her children to follow their dreams and aspire to great things all along providing the love, support and confidence for us to do so. Although my dad gets the creative props from me on my blog, my mom is very creative in her own right. It is from her that I get my love of decorating and of re-purposing objects as she was always painting or sewing or altering an item to give it new life. And I remember as a kid she would come up with some really unique ways to entertain my brother and I or our friends. For example, she use to put a mix of random items in a brown grocery bag and have us act out a skit based on the props in that bag. It is memories like this that I hope to carry on to my own children and if I can be 1/100th the woman she is then I will be proud of who I have become.

    Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!!!
    I love you!!!

  • Eclectic November Artist Spotlight: Kate Long Stevenson

    Eclectic November Artist Spotlight: Kate Long Stevenson


    Abstract expressionist painter Kate Long Stevenson was born and raised in North Carolina, and began her professional career while a student at The University of the South.

    Gestural brushstrokes and a passion for color are characteristic to all of her pieces, ranging from figurative paintings to wild abstracts. A life-long lover of music, Katie relies mostly on classical compositions to guide her as she builds a painting, layering chords of color over energetic swirls of charcoal and paint. 
"It's important to me that my paintings have a subject, despite how non-subjective some can seem. With my nude paintings, the figure is the vehicle that invites you to discover the true subject: the way it was painted. The abstracts have just skipped that introduction, altogether, but they're still about something--music, tempo, motion and emotion. It all comes from a feeling, but then the challenge is not only to translate that to the canvas but to have it make sense, compositionally."

    www.katelongstevenson.com

    Is there anyone you credit with gifting you your artistic ability and/or teaching you your skills? Or did you just pick up a brush one day and get lucky?
    My mom has been particularly instrumental in my love of art. She’s creative in her own right, and always had an abundance of art supplies available to me as a child. I painted all through grade school, but my college professor, Ed Carlos, taught me to approach it completely differently. I still hear his voice in my head from time to time.

    Since it varies for each artist, we want to know what inspires you?
    Music, color, other artists (de Kooning, Joan Mitchell, Sargent, Frankenthaler, Hodgekin…), my fellow artists at Redux Contemporary Art Center, a stroll through Artists and Craftsman Supply...

    Do you hang your own work in your home?
    I have a few paintings with which I don’t intend to part, but usually when I paint something for myself (thinking of the dimensions, color, what my mood dictates, everything…), that’s the one that a client wants! So, I’ve prioritized collecting other artists’s work over the last few years. It’s a small and eclectic collection of work, each of which I’ve been moved by and continue to enjoy.

    Is there a specific artist/work that you covet?
    Oooh, good question. I love to ask friends what their three dream choices of art to collect would be. Mine are "Easter Monday” by de Kooning, any piece of work by Sargent (the brushwork is more interesting to me than the subject), and “Mountains and Sea” by Frankenthaler.

    If you were not an artist, what career do you think you’d have?
    Either something involving writing or interior design...

    Rapid fire…
    Favorite city to travel to? Palm Beach
    Guilty pleasure? dark chocolate
    Favorite restaurant in Charleston? FIG
    Saturday activity: beach, shopping, museum, festival or sofa? In summer, the beach and a book. In winter, a spa date with a friend. And the NY Times crossword on Sunday :)
    Three words to describe yourself: passionate. compassionate. curious.

    If you are interested in purchasing any of Kate's art please stop by Eclectic, call us at 843.388.7002 or email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com. Remember, these will only be available during the month of November and yes we will ship for an additional charge!

    Eclectic is a Charleston, South Carolina based full-service boutique interior design firm in specializing in the design of residential projects including entire homes and the styling of individual rooms. We also offer virtual e-design services. Please email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com for additional information.

    Eclectic is a retail shop/design studio located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston) selling an array of vintage mid-century pieces, repurposed items, new products and locally made creations with a fresh Modern meets Coastal aesthetic.

  • Sweet Spoolie

    Sweet Spoolie

    Do you want to see something really cute?

    Sandy from "521 Lake Street" had an Easter Spoolie Swap.
    I was paired with Joyce from "Scrap For Joy".
    She created this darling Spoolie.
    It is perched high atop a vintage Jello mold.
    I just love it, Joyce!

    Joyce is an amazingly creative lady.
    She made this adorable swag.
    I love the tiny creatures she so artfully crafted.
    Thank you, my sweet new friend!

    Do you see what I see?
    Polka dots a plenty...
    Joyce gave me two of the cutest little egg cups.
    I just love them!

    Bunny Express with a truck load of fresh carrots...
    Could they be from Mr. McGregor's Garden?

    Tea Time at Chenille Cottage

    Bunny Hugs...

    The Red Hutch all decked out for Spring.
    My grandmother passed her Desert Rose dishes on to me.
    I have many memories of Easter dinner at her house as a girl.
    I miss her so much!

    

    

    Dearest Joyce,
    Thank you for this darling keepsake.
    It is so sweet and will grace my kitchen this Spring.
    I love every thoughtful gesture and each lovely gift.
    In the coming weeks I will be sharing all of your red pretties, too.
    I am thankful to have gained a dear new friend.

    I'm so happy you stopped, my dear blogging family and friends.

    Blessings to each one of you
    and a Happy Spring!

    Carolynn xoxo

    "For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.
    The flowers appear on the earth;
    the time of the singing of birds is come
    and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.

    The fig tree putteth forth her green figs,
    and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell.
    Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."
    Song of Solomon 2:11-13
    I'm linking with these lovely blogs...

    *Sunday:
    Sunny Simple Life
    www.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com
    Seasonal Sunday
    www.thetablescaper.blogspot.com
    *Monday:
    The Dedicate House
    www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
    The Little Red House
    www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com
    Boogie Board Cottage
    www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
    Etsy Cottage Style
    www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com
    *Tuesday:
    Knick Of Time
    www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com
    Rose Chintz Cottage
    www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
    Lavender Garden Cottage
    www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
    Tuesdays at Our Home
    www.mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com
    Coastal Charm
    www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com
    Budget Decorating Party
    www.creativecaincabin.com
    Friends Sharing Tea
    www.bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com
    A Stroll Thru Life
    www.astrollthrulife.net
    You're Gonna Love It
    www.kathywithane.com
    Cozy Little House
    www.cozylittlehouse.com
    Tuesdays The Scoop
    www.cedarhill-ranch.com
    *Wednesday:
    Lavender Garden Cottage
    www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
    Rose Chintz Cottage
    www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
    Sue Loves Cherries
    www.suelovescherries.blogspot.com
    Blissful Whites Wednesday
    www.timewashed.com
    Open House Party
    www.nominimalisthere.blogspot.com
    A Sheltering Tree
    www.ourshelteringtree.blogspot.com
    Whatever You Want Wednesday
    www.freeprettythingsforyou.com
    *Thursday:
    Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
    www.jannolson.blogspot.com
    A Delightsome Life
    www.blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com
    The Thrift Groove
    www.thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
    Bernideen's Open House
    www.bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com
    Faith Grace Crafts
    www.faithgracecrafts.blogspot.com
    Little Homestead On The Hill
    www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com
    *Friday:
    Rooted In Thyme
    www.rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
    Country Whites Weekend
    www.thecountryfarmhome.blogspot.com
    Thrifty Things Friday
    www.thethriftygroove.blogspot.com
    Lady Bird Ln
    www.ladybirdln.com
    The Charm of Home
    www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
    Friday Favorite Features
    www.foxhollowcottage.com
    My Turn For Us
    www.myturnforus.com
    Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop
    www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com
    Anything Blue Friday
    www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
    I Gotta Create
    www.igottacreate.blogspot.com
    Common Ground
    www.debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com
    *Saturday:
    Mockingbird Hill Cottage
    www.mockingbirdhillcottage.com
    Show-Licious Saturday's
    www.sew-licious.blogspot .com

  • Eclectic May Artist Spotlight: Whitney Kreb

    Eclectic May Artist Spotlight: Whitney Kreb

    Whitney Kreb's oil paintings celebrate the relaxed elegance that is seaside living. The artist, who splits her time between Charleston, SC, and Nantucket, MA, creates unique compositions of coastal scenery that are harmoniously graphic and painterly. Her aesthetic is constantly evloving as she reworks and reinvents mainstays that include sea life, ocean views, and the familiar streets of her hometowns. She also paints on-site murals in local designer showhouses and private homes.

    Whitney received her BA in Studio Art from Davidson College and her MFA in Painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She has also studied in Florence, Italy, and the Art Students League in New York City. While in Charleston, she works and exhibits out of her studio at Redux Contemporary Art Center and is represented by the George Gallery and the Charleston Artist Collective. Whitney is also represented by Robert Foster Fine Art, Coastal, and the Artists' Association of Nantucket in Nantucket, MA.

    Is there anyone you credit with gifting you your artistic ability and/or teaching you your skills? Or did you just pick up a brush one day and get lucky?
    My grandfather was a very talented artist. He always brought me new art supplies and I always had an easel in my bedroom growing up. I had a ton of encouragement from my parents and was lucky to attend art camps and classes outside of school. I took my first oil class in 10th grade and was pretty much hooked after that.

    Since it varies for each artist, we want to know what inspires you?
    The beach, coastal living, the 1980's, fashion and interior design bloggers, my two homes- Charleston and Nantucket- all the people, places, style and local colors.

    Do you hang your own work in your home?
    I do. They kind of revolve in and out, but I have tried to hang on to the ones that have special meaning to me. I also have some work by my artist friends- I am always up for a trade!

    Is there a specific artist/work that you covet?
    I am a huge fan of Wayne Thiebaud and Richard Diebenkorn. I also love Alice Neil, Laura Owens and Elliott Puckette. Locally, the George Gallery and the Charleston Artist Collective have a great selection of contemporary Charleston artists.

    If you were not an artist, what career do you think you’d have?
    Probably still something in a creative field- maybe an architect or something in the fashion world.

    Rapid fire…
    Favorite city to travel to? L.A. West side.
    Guilty pleasure? Steve Winwood, Phil Collins, and Richard Marx
    Favorite restaurant in Charleston? High Thyme and Basil
    Saturday activity: beach, shopping, museum, festival or sofa? BEACH. But the others are a close second.
    Three words to describe yourself: sarcastic, grateful, optimistic

    If you are interested in purchasing any of Whitney's art please stop by Eclectic, call us at 843.388.7002 or email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com. Remember, these will only be available during the month of May and yes we will ship for an additional charge!

    Eclectic is a Charleston, South Carolina based full-service boutique interior design firm in specializing in the design of residential projects including entire homes and the styling of individual rooms. We also offer virtual e-design services. Please email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com for additional information.

    Eclectic is a retail shop/design studio located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston) selling an array of vintage mid-century pieces, repurposed items, new products and locally made creations with a fresh Modern meets Coastal aesthetic.

  • This Week I...

    This Week I...

    Debuted my new blog! Woohoo! What do you think? Seriously, do you love it? Hate it? Anything that is hard to read? Missing? Annoying? Still working on some kinks but other than that...I owe a big thanks to the super talented Marina of Penny Lane Designs for being super patient with this hard to please client. I guarantee you she was cursing my name as I took away all of her creative freedom and made about 1,000 changes. Bless your heart!

    Saw the empty fireplace box at my clients. Turns out that it was just an empty wooden box not really built for actual fires so tearout was fairly easy and has opened up many possibilities for this artist studio! I am hoping to convince said client to tear out the generic stock cabinetry and do some real custom built-ins, yeah, you know, the good stuff! If I had hooked up my scanner by now I would scan in the sketches.

    Found out the main fabric I speced to a client for her living room is discontinued. Nooooooooooooo! (said like Monica on Friends) I haven't told her yet so she might read it here first. If so, I have't given up! If anyone has any of this or knows where I can get some or even wants to sell me their memo...PLEASE let me know!

    David Hicks for Lee Jofa Pattern: La Fiorentina in Color: Aqua

    Made a bad design decision. I know, I know...it's shocking. The grasscloth I was so excited about for a client looks awful because it had to be seamed and grasscloth being a natural material doesn't really line up perfectly. It isn't a big deal on the tighter weaves but this is a large, patterned weave and it just ain't right. So for all of you who thought I was perfect...I'm not. (I will pause for the dramatic reaction). But as I told my client...sometimes Plan B ends up being better than Plan A. Here's hoping!

    Finished up some last min tasks like taking photos and pricing and uploading it all into my online shop and will debut it next week so get out your wallets and prepare to shop!

    Have a great weekend!!!

  • Happy Birthday Lauren!!!

    Happy Birthday Lauren!!!

    I wanted to dedicate this post to one of my very dear friends...
    (how funny if she picks today to not read this!)

    I've been through a lot over the years (as we all have) but I have especially been through a lot with friends and this is one of those people that I know I can always trust, I know I can always count on and I know with absolute certainty that she will be in my life forever. She is, to quote Clairee from Steel Magnolias, "good people!"

    She is a great friend who even though her own life is very, very busy as a career woman, a wife and a mother, she always seems to be there when I need her. Even if we haven't talked in a while she seems to sense when I need to talk to her and reaches out...it is the craziest thing!

    She is positive, selfless and supportive. And not only encourages me to follow my dreams but takes time out of her life to help me do just that! We have "business meetings" (to talk about both of our many creative enterprises), I text her pictures of items I find for approval before purchasing and her husband is even in on it as he is my new Jack of all Trades Handyman on the side of his very, very busy life. (btw I heart him as much as her!)

    Creatively speaking, we are totally in sync. We use to have a business together making jewelry and have talked about a thousand other businesses pursuits, ideas, endeavors, etc.! She is my favorite person to shop with as I can find a rusty piece of metal in a junk pile and turn to her with big, excited eyes and she will respond with matched enthusiasm. Then we'll spend the next five minutes (sometimes hours or days) talking about all the things we would do with that rusty piece of metal.

    She has a dash of naivety that at times freaks me out (mainly for her safety) but I imagine it allows her to live a more stress-free life than I. For example, when we lived together and she would leave the front door wide open, not just unlocked but wide open. She is from this adorably perfect small town and I well, am not. But she goes through life assuming the best in people and I envy her attitude.

    As far as values, morals, ethics and how you should treat other people...we are on the same page. The older I get, the more I realize how important that is.

    She has two gorgeous children! A young daughter who dresses herself and already has a completely cool and unique style just like her mom. And a son who is so chill and relaxed, like her, that nothing seems to phase him. And they are both very funny kids, in their own right. She said the other day that her son put out his hand to get a high-five from his dad after getting his bottle. I mean...

    I could go on and on and on but I will spare the rest of y'all still reading. But I will say one last thing...

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!!!!!!!

    Love you girl! And thanks for being such a great friend to me.
    xoxo

  • The Southern Coterie Summit in Jekyll Island

    The Southern Coterie Summit in Jekyll Island

    I know I haven't blogged in a coon's age but hopefully I will get in a more regular routine with that here soon (that should please the two of you that still read this blog lol). Recently I attended The Southern Coterie Summit on Jekyll Island and I would be remiss if I didn't take the time to talk about it!

    Jekyll Island Club

    Unfortunately the weather was like this the entire time...

    First of all, The Southern Coterie is an online community produced by two amazing ladies, Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long who were childhood friends that came together again in adulthood on St. Simmons Island and decided to start the community based around their love of all things Southern. Members of The Southern Coterie come together to create discussions, discover other Southern bloggers, ask questions on all kinds of topics including lifestyle, food, design and so much more! Go check it out now!

    Secondly, The Southern C Summit I attended a couple months back was the inaugural event that these two aforementioned ladies created to bring together all these Southern creatives in one spot to talk about our various businesses, discuss social media and network with one another. The entire thing was sponsored by Southern Living and several of the editors spoke which was amazing as I have always been a huge fan of the magazine! There were some really interesting presentations by several Southern powerhouses like Charleston's own Libba Osborne and Jackie Tyler Thompson of Leapfrog PR and Courtney Rowson and Amy Pastre of Stitch Design Co., introduced by Haskell Harris (a contributing editor to Southern Living, owner of Haskell Harris Creative and creator of the blog Magpie Lovely); Amy Flurry author of the book Recipe for Press (I have just started reading this and it is SUPER helpful!) spoke about the proper way to pitch your ideas to media; Holly Hollingsworth Phillips of the popular design blog The English Room and Chassity Evans of Look Linger Love both talked about their rise in the blogging community. Those are just a few of the talented presenters! And I cannot forget to mention my personal fav, Aidan, of Aidan Cares. PLEASE take a second to go to his website! He rocked my world. In addition to all the fabulous speakers, it was great to connect with fellow creatives across the South and learn what they do, how they got their start, operate their businesses, etc. Really great experience!

    Carrie Morey of Callie's Biscuits, Melissa Blanchard of Val Jean, Libba Osborne and Jackie Tyler Thompson of Leapfrog PR, Courtney Rowson and Amy Pastre of Stitch Design Co.

    My boy Aidan!

    They had this cool screen that displayed any #tscsummit tweet on a continuous feed!

    I had to capture this moment at lunch of Haskell Harris and Carrie Morey...
    I mean, we were at a social media conference after all!

    It wasn't ALL work...we managed to get out and have some fun too...maybe a bit too much some might say.

    Yep, that is a Georgia State Trooper's car behind us but don't worry, there was no tom-foolery. Well...maybe some. We were on the hunt for Will Ferrel, Paul Rudd and Steve Carrel who were in town filming Anchorman Two. No luck I'm incredibly sad to say.

    Shortly after attending The Southern C Summit, my new buds were super sweet to feature me on The Southern Coterie as their Coterie Crush in their Designer Series. Major thanks to them for that!

    And good news...there is another SUMMIT already planned! And it is in Athens, GA starting August 1st. Now as a University of Georgia grad, I can attest that if you have never been to Athens, Georgia then you should take this opportunity...fantastic town! Here is the link to sign up for The Southern C Summit! I HIGHLY recommend it!

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