Vintage Bottles and Poison

I just completed a very fun project for a client. I found some vintage bottles and designed labels of varying different poisons. They just happen to be a selection of the many poisons found in cigarettes. Looking forward to see these props in the film that my client is developing this fall!

Christmas Confessions

I have a confession to make.  I absolutely HATE baking for Christmas.  Baking for any reason, really.  It's too restrictive and controlled for my style; since I can't eat wheat, it is a tremendous amount of work for something I'm not allowed to enjoy.  Christmas baking seems especially laborious to me because it is expected.  I resent walking past the rows and rows of baking supplies in the grocery stores - the ones that shout at me "You aren't part of an awesome holiday tradition!  You are seriously lacking in all things maternal and womanly!"  So, in response to these horrible baking voices, I have devised a plan.  I scour the local bakeries for Christmas goodies and let the professionals do the work for me.

One of my recent trips took me to Putnam Market in Saratoga Springs, NY.  It is among my favorite guilty pleasures.  Just walking through the store and admiring the shelves of fresh baked goods, specialty items, and delicious savories makes my mouth water. 

 

Since my husband was born and raised in the UK, I love that I can bring him some Christmas 'biscuits' and tea from the homeland.  As for me, I stock up on the things that I can eat - cheese, olives, marinades and sauces - to make holiday entertaining that much easier.

On my way out?  I indulge in the purchase of a gift basket for the upcoming holiday party.  And all of this is infinitely more fun than baking.

Just don't tell my kids.  They still think I slaved over those ginger cookies.

Tantalizing Textures

The only conflict we ever have here at Sharpe Designs is the occasional disagreement of the use of texture over color. Abby's natural inclination is to use a monochromatic decorating scheme, heavy on texture to keep things from being mundane. I tend to choose color, with no thought to the weave or grain of the object. The things that catch my eye are bright and citrus hued, rainbow drenched or rain forest florals. But from time to time, Abby's love for texture wins me over. Like recently. Abby went visiting some of her favorite shops in Saratoga Springs, New York. There, she took pictures of items whose textures caught her eye.

 

Here's a dress from Aggies Boutique on Broadway. What I wouldn't give for an occasion to wear it! Anyone want to invite me somewhere yummy for a holiday party?  The skirt falls like rippling water, and the sequins shine like light dancing on a stream.  A liquid dress.

Paper flowers seen hanging in the window of Miss Scarlett's on Phila Street. Over-sized texture. Light and airy.  Crispy like the fall leaves, but reminiscent of spring.  Gorgeous.

As the world around us starts to shed its color in preparation for the long winter ahead, it's nice to remember that beauty is still to be found in layers of texture.