I'm having a giveaway!

How'd you like some free jewelry? :)  I'm having a giveaway!  All you have to do is "like" my Ophelia's Adornments page on Facebook, and you'll be eligible to win a free necklace or pair of earrings of your choice!  Find the link here.

Introducing the latest pendant necklaces...

In Remembrance

I remember all too clearly that horrible day.  It was, ironically, a perfect September morning - crisp air, brilliant sunshine.  Everyone was going about their normal business, unaware that the world would soon change forever.  I was on my way to teach a ballet class at the prep school where I worked when I heard the news. Some of the students had family who worked in the Twin Towers.  So sad, so tragic...my heart goes out to all those who were lost and their loved ones today.

We just never know when our lives will be turned upside down, do we?  It's a reminder to live each day as if it were our last.

A Tribute To Brown

September is here, and it's the perfect month to pay tribute to one of my favorite colors - brown!  Whether it's found in a cozy scarf, a soft leather chair, a piece of rich chocolate, or a cup of delicious cocoa, brown is both warm and comforting and sensual and exotic.  I'm probably genetically programmed to like it; my eyes and hair are brown, too. ;-)  Have a fabulous weekend!

I really think Cameron should go back to brunette!  Stunning!  Her blue eyes really pop with brown hair.

Real Life Renovation

Last night was the premiere of Real Life Renovations, a reality television show.  The show featured a single mom who purchased a home that needed a lot of renovating. I worked with the home owner to help bring it all together keeping in mind her strict budget. 

For the show we concentrated on the family room. Using Design & Detail as my resource, I added furniture, lighting, accessories and an area rug.

I added elements that were lighter in color and brought various textures into the room

  Before I arrived the room was painted a dark, rich brown. The home owner purchased a comfortable brown leather sofa and brought in tables from a previous home.

 The area rug is a large caramel colored sisal with a painted border. The lighter color opened up the room. The rug defined the seating area in the large room. The linen covered chair is from Hickory Chair. It is comfortable, practical and adds a great style to the room. The nail head outline on the chair is a wonderful detail.

 Accessories were added to enhance the the old world elegance of the room.

 The tall, metal candlesticks bring height and balance to the fireplace wall.

 The entry is covered in a chic black and gold damask pattern wall covering. It makes a strong statement as you enter the house. The table is a family piece. The floral arrangement adds the right amount of color and texture.

The daughter's bedroom is, of course, a completely different color palette. The white, pink and green combination is fun, bright and perfect for a happy, busy little girl.

Working on Real Life Renovations was a great experience. It was produced by Dianne Casey of KMOV in St Louis Mo and hosted by Jenny Rausch of Karr Bick Kitchens and Bath. Stay tuned there may be more to come.

Le Boudoir

My latest necklace! Really fun and a wee bit vampy... ;-)  See her here.

The Final Result The St Louis Rep Theatre Apartment Project

The Rep Apartment project is completed. Fourteen of the twenty apartments have been renovated and designed. Here is the final result of my Apartment, G-2. It happened with the help and donations of many friends and supportive businesses. Thank you.

 Arch Framing & Design donated framed prints and posters.

 The Scalamamdre zebra wallcovering was the starting point for the design of the space.

 Fabrics for the bedroom window treatments, shams and pillows were donated by B Berger Fabrics.

The kitchen is small but functional. All the elements are here. The black cabinets, donated by Beck Allen Cabinetry look great with the glass mosaic tile back splash and the granite counter. If you want to mix color and pattern in a small space keep the color palette close in tone. 

 The tile and carpet throughout the space was donated by Pro Source.

 The fabulous zebra print shower curtain is an outdoor fabric from Scalamandre.

 Kohler provided all sinks and faucets.

 The opening party was a tremendous success. The apartment was a success with the much appreciated help of Tyler Mahley of Mahley Building Group.

 Cary Baumann of HomesForRehab donated furnishings to help complete the apartment. Christy Marshall editor of St Louis At Home Magazine was the force behind this project. Someone I do not have a photo of is Deb Sharn of the St Louis Rep Theatre. She managed this outrageous project and is truly amazing.

 Cary with Melinda Klinghammer of Design & Detail who gave support and donations for the apartment.

 Christine Renna and Ryan Frank, family is the best support there is.

 David Whitehead, Peter Julian of Scalamandre, and Sherrie Whitehead. Your help and generosity is boundless.

 Kathy Curotto,always there to help get the job done.

Because of Tony Xenos of Aphrodite Granite the apartment's bathroom has a beautiful travertine vanity top.
Donna Goro,Sondra Singhurse, Carolyn Cecil, Trica Heliker,  Lori O'Brien,
Thank you, this couldn't have happened without you.