Fresh Start Studio

Inspiration from 1950s American pottery

A few years ago, I was on a routine sortie through an antique mall and I discovered a complete set of Stangl Pottery tableware from the 1950s. This purchase was a rare "must have" -- I just loved the colors and its history. Each piece has a roman numeral painted on the back that corresponds to the artist who painted it. I have had it in storage for several years and it has finally proved its worth. I have used its design and colors -- along with a great pillow fabric from Pottery Barn -- to guide me through some design choices here at our lake house renovation. I can't wait to use it and display it -- the pattern is called Amber Glo. The colors are a green/gray, ivory, golden brown, and yellow, and charcoal.

 

stained glass brings continuity to our space

 
July's banner for Fresh Start Studio features the stained glass from the front door of our lake house. It was lovingly created by the original owner I'm told. It is quite the Frank Lloyd Wright style. We need a new front door, so I will remove this glass and create something special. I feel it deserves an honorable spot in the new digs. There are also two side-lights. I'm sure I can find a way to use them. I want to keep all the good vibes and beautiful light and color they create.

Adirondack goes modern, still a classic

It was fun to discover this lively re-do of the traditional Adirondack chair and swing. You can compare the the two with these images. The new ones are from "The Go Collection" created by Greg Benson and Jeff Taly for Loll. Made in the USA of recycled plastic with several choices for color -- bonus :)

You can read more about them here. Loll has some good looking recycled products.

Vintage Shell Collection -- who has time?!

Wouldn't it be great to just buy a shell collection already assembled and framed? Yes, and no. Yes, because, wow, wouldn't it take forever to collect, sort, arrange, and assemble such a thing of beauty? Just buy it! And no, because none of those shells means a darn thing to you. But, if you had collected over a long time and knew where each shell came from and the story attached -- now, you'd really have something special. This is lovely, but I'll pass. And now I have a new project, if I can ever find the time.

I found this one at 1st Dibs.