Two-Toned Linen Thread and Other Simple Things... There is a lovely French man who supplies me with the most wonderful natural linen thread.  I use it to knit my washers.  I’ll knit while watching TV, sitting chatting with friends, you might even find me trying to knit as I eat a bowl of soup!  I just love to knit and, as many of you know, I just cannot sit still and do nothing.  So, doing two things at once fulfils my need to feel productive and satisfies that creative itch. My wonderful French man came by the other day with [...]

WHEN LIFE AND WORK JUST KEEP GETTING IN THE WAY I think we can all relate to the following situation.  You have grand plans for a space in your home.  You might even purchase some of the elements to fulfill this plan and spend a few sleepless nights dreaming of how great it will look once finished.  Then, days, months, (years?) might go by and your life has decided to fill itself up with other tasks.  Or, let's be honest, you let life get in the way. This is a photo of a French-style bronze light fitting that I have [...]

A Floor to Ceiling Window Covering and Mid-Century Modern Design Hello all, it has been fabulous sharing some of my projects with you on my blog as of late.  The feedback has been incredible and so up-lifting.  It inspires me to keep putting all of my energy into helping this warm community create beauty in their homes and lives.  There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something new. If you haven’t seen it yet, I have a video tutorial up on the website showing you how to use my Blake & Taylor Chalk Furniture Paint to revitalize [...]

Bay Windows, Roman Blinds, and Textured Cushions It is not often  that I like to toot my own horn.  But today I just must share this custom roman blind and window seat installation I have just completed. Bay windows often present a design challenge for home owners.  They are big and beautiful and bright.  The fact that they are anything but 'standard' can be very aesthetically inviting.  When new home shoppers enter a home with a bay window you can imagine the reaction, "oooh's and ahh's" ensue.  After moving in, they deal with early evenings of trying to prepare [...]

Gorgeous Watercolour Paintings by a Fellow Creative... Watercolour makes my heart sing, and so does this fabulous artist.  I am so very honoured to introduce you all to Liz Jackson.  She is an incredibly talented watercolour artist from the UK who is now a resident here in Australia. Something tells me that many of you already know her because she has been working with me at Blake & Taylor for the past 5 years. Working alongside talented artists is always a joy to me.  I live from the idea that it is of great advantage to surround oneself with [...]