Tutti i Fiori Studio

Red Velvet

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:29:00 +0000

I'm soon off to a home decor show in Las Vegas and looking forward to sharing a few 2012 color and texture trends with you when I return.

Here are a few of my favorite things for February. Enjoy and don't forget the Red Velvet!

House Beautiful

Valentine's Cupcake Liners at Amazon.com

Red Velvet Cake

Ashley Lauren Cheney

renethefrugalmom.blog

Damask Balloons at Amazon

Graphics Fairy

Red Velvet Pancakes

Violinistablu

Santorini

cotedetexas

street-fashion.net

bellarouge

Idyll

Etsy 50's Dress

Discount Dress Shoes

Etsy

Vintage Family Albums

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:51:00 +0000

I often peruse antiques and collectibles venues in search of vintage photos to use in my creations. Once in a while I will happen upon an entire family album filled with precious photos and completely in tact.

Vintage Leather Embossed Album

As I turn each page in these precious collections I am mesmerized by the personality and character of each photo. The depth of the facial expressions, the careful placement of each photo, the order as it relates to who is related to who can be hypnotic for me.

Who are you? Who did you love? Who loved you?

And, did you happen to dislike getting your picture taken as much as I do?

The photo above is a tiny Tintype, 1" by 1". The photo of an album page below shows a combination display of a Tintype (upper left) and CDV photographs (remaining three). The same subject, a darling little girl, is pictured in a collage of her growth.

Tintype and Carte de Visite Photos

A Tintype, also melainotype and ferrotype, is a photograph made by creating a direct positive on a sheet of iron metal that is blackened by painting, lacquering or enamelling and is used as a support for a collodian emulsion.

Tintype photographers usually worked outside at fairs, carnivals etc. Interestingly, there is no actual tin used. They are resilient however, didn't need drying and the photos could be produced only a few minutes after the picture was taken.

Cupidon by Bouguereau

Here's a 19th Century Art Nouveau Celluloid Album embossed with guilded flowers.

19th Century Art Nouveau Celluloid Embossed Album, Guilded Flowers

Patented Clasp

When I find these entire untouched albums, I often purchase them with the hopes of preserving the precious collection and one day finding their living loved ones who somehow lost this treasure in the shuffle of life.

Family History is a hobby of mine so I have access to public records which can often put me close to the place where the family came from. The two albums pictured originate with the Parsons family in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the Sanderson family of Fon du Lac, Wisconsin. If you happen to know any of these people please drop me an email. I would love to return these to their families!

Mabel and Irene Parsons

Mabel and Irene Parsons

This is a classic CDV photo, an acronym for French carte de visite or visiting card.

This style of antique photography took over in popularity from the daguerreotype or ambrotype of the 1840s and 1850s. Though they provided lovely images, the dag and ambro were easily damaged and not suitable to tuck into an album or a letter to a friend.The photographer might print, stamp, or emboss his name and town or state on the back (backmark) of the card, below the image.

You can see this as "Schmidt" in the above photo.

While carefully removing this photo in search of a handwritten family name that may give me a clue about who this album belongs to I discovered a precious clip of the most beautiful auburn baby hair. It brought a tear to my eye. Oh precious one, you were loved.

"Baby's hair"

For years I have had this little creation below hanging close by as a gentle yet constant reminder of where I could dwell while my boys were little ones. The time goes by so fast. I wanted to remember to treasure every moment and be "present" with them.

Another way to use vintage photographs.

Dexter Sanderson, Sladesburg, Crawford Country, Wisconsin

Another way to use heirloom photos for everyday display.

These beloved ones share their timeless faces and expressions with me as I find a way to express in my art journal. ( I simply make a copy of the photos I pick out of stray stacks at antique stores so I can use them again later if I wish )

This was a difficult period of time for me as I had to learn to "let go" once again of my oldest son after a serious car accident in which we almost lost him. Notice the apron strings?

This inside cover signature indicates this album was most likely a Christmas gift.

"Your true Friend, Mrs. Mary Beeson, Loveland, Colorado, Dec 25, 1906'

Where are you sweet family? A gift from the past awaits you. One day your precious heirloom album will find its way back into your hands .......and heart. Until then, I will close the pages, fasten the clasp and carefully keep it as a borrowed treasure.

Pin It

The Aqua and Tangerine Tango

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:59:00 +0000

Because orange and blue are opposite one another on the color wheel (complimentary), it can be a daring pairing when considering a color scheme for weddings and interior design. This couple can be loud and care must be taken when inviting them to play in your decor dream.

Orange and Aqua Baby Shower via Lovely Little Details

A little white magic however creates the softened hues of Tangerine and Aqua. This refreshing pair is rapidly gaining in popularity in every design venue from fashion to food and I'm personally in love with it! Thanks to my Pinterest friends I've collected a few ideas that get my Aqua -Tangerine juices flowing. Enjoy!

I just really want to add a few urns filled with tangerine gerbera!

Via BHG

Tangerine Tango, Color of the Year 2012 !

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:41:00 +0000

Virginia Beach Weddings

Last summer, just in time for warm weather dreams of Creamsicles and sherbet we began to see vibrant spots of tangerine color emerging here and there in fashion trends and decor worldwide.

Last month Pantone announced Tangerine Tango as the 2012 Color of the Year! I don't often quote content but here is Pantone's take on why they chose this color for the new year.

About the PANTONE Color of the Year
The color of the year selection is a very thoughtful process. To arrive at the selection, Pantone quite literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.

The 2011 color of the year, PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.

Etsy.com

Bella Home Fashions

Amy Butler for Westminster Fabrics

Frenchquarters.com

Courtesy of HGTV

“Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.” PANTONE

Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike. A provocative attention-getter, Tangerine Tango is especially appealing in men’s and women’s fashion. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2012, including Tommy Hilfiger, Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe by Shaun Kearney, Elie Tahari and Adrienne Vittadini, are incorporating this attractive orange into their spring collections. A fun, lively take on a traditional autumnal hue, Tangerine Tango will surely carry through to fall fashion as well.

Tangerine Pashmina Shawl

Calvin Klein Tangerine Leather Hobo

Wall Art Posters

IPad Cover

Ties, Inc. - Tangerine Tie Belt

Tangerine Tango for Interiors and MoreEnergize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.

I'm looking forward to working with this vivacious, vibrant and even yummy color in floral, textile and interior design projects this year. Take a look at these pictures for a few ideas to get your Tangerine vibe flowing. Let's have some fun this year as this happy hue reminds us to reclaim our well being in every category! Michele

New Year's Eve Decoration Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:26:00 +0000

A few ideas for easy, festive New Year's Eve decor. I've also added some of my favorite vintage photos of New Year's Eve celebrations gone-by. Enjoy. Happy New Year !

thesweetestoccasion.com

BoopteyLu at Etsy.com

Gold & Silver Glitz Cupcake Recipe

karlascottage.typepad.com

Don't put away the gold Christmas balls just yet!

HGTV Party Poppers How To

Recycled Christmas Ribbon or Dollar Store Finds

Courtesy of BHG

katiebrownblog.com

BoopteyLu at Etsy.com

Photo Credit: Stumblr

A New Year's Eve Wedding

Vintage Times Square

Rosemary Grissini

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:50:00 +0000

I clipped a sprig of fresh rosemary out of the garden and tried a recipe for Grissini ! I love Grissini !I grew up with these yummy, crunchy, thin breadsticks and they are truly a comfort food in my world. They are believed to originate in Turin and the surrounding area in Italy. I found a fantastic recipe from Martha Stewart and I've attached the link below.

Grissini is not just an Italian entre companion. We used our grissini in place of french bread as another great "dunker" for beef stew.

Crimini Mushrooms & Short Ribs

A few sprigs of fresh Thyme.

Don't forget the Bay Leaf!

Grissini (Martha Stewart Recipe)Grissini Recipe

Orange Pepper Pecans & Dried Cranberries

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:28:00 +0000

An orange twist on a savory nut recipe is what we have with this tasty Christmas treat.

After several attempts at a recipe for Sahale Valdosta inspired pecans, I think I have settled with this version. In my home "test kitchen" all family members must give a thumbs up before I write it down for duplication. With a unanimous vote I believe we have it! I'm really pleased with the buttery peppered-orange flavor of the toasted pecans with a sweet counterpoint provided by dried craisins.

I had a great time packaging these with scrapbook embellishments simply placed on the top of the jar lids, accented by sheer polk-a-dot ribbon I had on hand from another craft project.

Drop me an email and I'd be happy to pass on the recipe.

Christmas Inspiration at Universal Studios Orlando

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Decor ideas are plentiful at Universal Studios Florida Holidays Celebration.

Easy Christmas Crafts and Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:48:00 +0000

A Christmas Lei

Here's a fun craft that is very easy and always a hit with kids. A CHRISTMAS LEI ! Simply take small gifts and candy and roll them up length wise in piece of good plastic wrap. Twist between each group of candy and gifts and tie off with your favorite ribbon. I've also added a few jingle bells I had on hand from last year.

Reindeer Food

Another festive and popular Christmas craft and gift is a package of Reindeer Food ! Kids love to make this gift for their friends and of course a batch for Santa's visit to their own homes on Christmas Eve. Simply mix a cup or two of instant or old fashioned oatmeal with several sprinkles of Christmasy glitter. We always chop a few carrots and bag these separately as well. See photo above. If we're out of oatmeal we use instant mashed potatoes. Over the years I have quoted my children on the gift tags regarding proper instructions for how to feed Santa's reindeer. The personalized tag is always comical and of course becomes a treasure for years to come. This cute project is very kid friendly and will not disappoint ! Begin a gift tradition in your family.

Christmas Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:43:00 +0000

Here's a peek at a few of this year's Christmas designs. Many of these items have sold but I can make similar items and styles. Vintage materials make each creation a one-of-a-kind !

Vintage Oregon logger boots.

Christmas at Hogwarts

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:31:00 +0000

This year, I'm taking a little inspiration for Christmas decor designs from Hogwarts (Universal Studios Orlando) ! Enjoy my recent photos captured on an amazing family vacation.

Loved the Butter Beer with cream.

Zonko's for tricks and jokes and chocolate frogs at Honeydukes!

The OWL POST for Christmas mailing of course!

Ollivanders' for all your wand shopping!

"Pepon"

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:34:00 +0000

The name pumpkin originated from "pepon" – the Greek word for "large melon."

Pumpkins are fruit, contain potassium and Vitamin A and their flowers are edible!

It's tradition in our home to save the pumpkin seeds from our Halloween carving and roast them up. I quickly saute a few cups of fresh seeds in olive oil, chili powder, garlic salt and lime. When they're coated and slightly browned, lay them out onto a cookie sheet and roast in a 400' oven for a few minutes until they plump and brown. Be careful not to overcook as this can happy quickly. Enjoy the warm, flavorful seeds!

Cut up your leftover pumpkin into chunks, roast until soft and simmer a pot of this yummy pumpkin soup!

A perfect fall meal.

Savory Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Cone-shaped Rosemary Tree

You can also puree a portion of the batch, freeze and save for holiday pumpkin pies! You'll want to choose either a sugar pumpkin (pie pumpkin) or a Cinderalla pumpkin (just a little sweeter).

Organic Pie Pumpkins

Burlap & Black Bows on Milk Bottles

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 03:57:00 +0000

Creme burlap and black bows can be used to accent nearly any glass jar or bottle. Simply cut a strip of burlap, wrap it around the bottle and secure it with your favorite ribbon !

Cinderella's Pumpkin

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 01:03:00 +0000

Cinderella Pumpkins are a unique French heirloom whose correct name is "Rouge vif D'Etampes". It's obvious how they aquired their nickname as one admires their striking silhouette resembling Cinderella's transformed carriage.

This pumpkin is recorded as having been the variety cultivated by the Pilgrims and served at the second Thanksgiving dinner.

Fall Lilies and Blue Jars

This is my favorite pumpkin variety. There is something magical about these and even romantic ! They stand out in any fall vignette and instantly add as much style as a pumpkin has a right to.

Gold Yarrow standing tall

I clipped outdoor pine and fall foliage.

An antique tin ceiling tile is a perfect backdrop.

Cinderella pumpkins not only make a fun decorative accent for the fall, but additionally serve with their flavor in any pie or winter squash recipe.

Caramel Apple Cravings

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:12:00 +0000

Crisp fall weather conjures my cravings for homemade breads and everything APPLE !

My youngest son and I kicked off October by picking out the biggest, juiciest apples we could find and smothering them in melted caramel and crushed Heath bars.

He had a great time unwrapping and stacking the caramel pieces while I improvised a "stick" for the apples. We simply tied three bamboo scewers together (had these !) with culinary twine. Voila! A few years ago we cut twigs and they looked amazing and oh so rustic !

Experiment with creative sticks. The bamboo scewers was my son's idea! He also had a great time taking pictures of his caramel architecture. Later that evening we presented one of these to one of our favorite neighborhood moms that our family recently voted "Mother of the Year". We tied a tag with a red ribbon to the top of the stick.

We love you Melisa ! Happy Fall everyone!

Fall Lilies

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 03:49:00 +0000

Tutti Fiori Designs - Fall Wreath

Fall Lilies are a spectacular way to add fall color vibrance to your country decor.

Fall Lilie & Kalenchoe

Lilies have a strong aroma and an imposing appearance. The stamen, however, are notorious for staining clothing, upholstery and carpets. Always remove the stamen as soon as the flowers bloom to prevent them from damaging the carpet. Be aware that the stamen will also stain your fingers when you are cleaning it.

Read more: How to Remove Lily Stamen Stains From Carpets | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7366282_remove-lily-stamen-stains-carpets.html#ixzz1YvspZjbw

Feelin' Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 05:02:00 +0000

I was bound and determined to change up the tabletops into fall colors today even if it was 92 degrees here in Southern Oregon. The Christmas music accidentally shuffled into the Itunes mix and I just left it on ! It's never too soon for Christmas music.

I used a combination of red Gerbera daisies, red roses and red mums. I decided to feature one of my favorite vintage graniteware pitchers.

Artificial flowers, herbs and lavendar can extend your summer country look until you're ready to change it up into fall.

You can add fall flair with the placement of baby gourds and pumpkins.

Sunflowers dyed Red-Orange

I have a couple of favorite twig and rattan containers that are stand-by's for fall arrangments. Check your farmer's market and stores for fall assortments and have some fun with the warm colors ! It's time !

Yellow Alstromeria with Sunflowers

Tulipiere Ta-da !

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 01:53:00 +0000

Friday Flowers: Today I had some fun with a tulipiere. A tulipiere, tulip or flower-holder, is usually made of hand-crafted pottery, classically delftware.

18th Century Tulipiere, Delftware

Etsy HLWHITINGHAM Etsy Tulipiere

I stumbled upon this adorable tulipiere at a local swap-meet and picked it up for two dollars ! Fleshy stems, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and so forth are made for these vases but of course those are not available at the local market right now.

I purchased instead this bunch of absolutely stunning roses that looked like budding peonies. The heads were tightly packed with petals and approximately two by three inches !

Esperance Rose

I don't know how arranging flowers can get any easier than this! I simply cut each stem relatively short in proportion to the tulipiere, as this presents a more country look and design, and then inserted the stems one by one. Keeping the fat rose heads closer to the vase I'm giving equal time to the tulipiere. Your eye bounces back and forth between flower and container.

Here I have added a second, taller stem into each hole. Notice how the design is taking on more style with the elongation of stem line.

I was completely taken with the size of these rose heads and their peony look and feel. I couldn't stop taking pictures at different perspectives.

Here I've added yet another, longer stem in the center hole. Again, notice how we're moving away from a compact, country look to higher style. You could keep going with another line stem like curly willow. The holes in the tulipiere are plenty big for some added stems and experimentation.

Tulipieres are gaining in popularity once again. Check out your local antique store, thrift store or swap meet for one of these lovelies and let your imagination run with the possibilities !

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:03:00 +0000

You may remember this photo from the Stars, Butterflies and Artichokes post. These roses were a gorgeous orange/pink blend. I decided to dry them and then use them again in design for this week's Friday Flowers

For a change, I let them dry upright in a basket hanging on the porch. I've enjoyed them for days and days ! It's amazing how much of their vivid color is still very much alive.

I grabbed a bunch of the dried lavender from the garden and the dried Babie's Breath we featured fresh in a previous post.A Bunch of Babies Breath

These were artichokes that I clipped as babies, dried in the sun and then lightly spray-painted white.

I decided to create a little country-dried design on one of my favorite baskets.

An addition of the dried lavender and Babies breath.....

....and Voila! Another way to enjoy these beautiful roses and not a dime more spent on design!

I love the look of the dried lavender with the fresh in the window vignette.

I had a bunch of basil I had dried from the garden and finally decided to display it this way. If you would like detailed instructions simply drop me an email and I would be happy to share.

Hyndrangea Table Centerpiece Idea

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0000

Today I've featured fresh-cut hydrangea blooms placed in a Shabby but Chic candle holder. This centerpiece works for many celebrations from baby showers to wedding receptions to garden parties.

Simply place the delicate flowers in the ring around the candle pedestal and you're done! You have a gorgeous candle centerpiece that evokes fun flavor and elegant ambiance.

If you're looking for ways to decorate a table on a budget, check your cupboards and local flea markets for old black wrought iron pieces and simply spray paint them white and/or cream. If you want a shabby look, apply a little sandpaper and rough up the edges on your piece.

Two Bunches, Twelve Ideas in Twenty Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:14:00 +0000

Here you go! Two bunches, twelve ideas in twenty minutes. I was stuck on the "twa" in the universe hence my self-imposed assignment of "Twelve in Twenty".

Lilac Stock, Caspia

Today I took a trip into town to a local flower shop to see what I might happen upon. I was so excited to find exactly what I was looking for! Happy flowers that didn't cost a fortune and Caspia!

Caspia is one of my all-time favorite filler flowers because it adds amazing color and motion to an arangement. It's like frosting and sprinkles on a cupcake and instantly transforms your focal flowers into something very special.

I decided not to fuss over containers and quickly grabbed random collectibles stacking up in my creation cupboard. I often find these items at thrift stores or garage sales, buy them for pennies and wait for a time like this to play!

My own repurposed candle holder

Antique Lanterns

Tommy Bahama Napkins in a Basket

Two Bunches, Twelve Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:10:00 +0000

Tomorrow's Friday Flowers will feature Mums, Daisies, lilac Stock and Caspia.

I'll post twelve ideas using just two bunches!

Summer Shabby, Cottage

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:34:00 +0000

Baby's Breath and Berries

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:25:00 +0000

Simple, easy and even elegant.

Images of Applegate

noreply@blogger.com (Michele@TuttiFioriDesigns) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:02:00 +0000

In preparation for tomorrow's Friday Flowers we took a drive through the Applegate Valley to gather berries and enjoy the summer air. Abundant backlight arrived at 6:42 pm.