For those readers that trekked to Abbottsford for the Big Sale (www.styleblueprint.com) this past October with Kippy Leland, Maggie Troutman and Charlotte Terrell only to find the show CANCELED here’s the back story: Due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, the exclusive gated community of Abbottsford wanted to keep their gates just that, gated, so adventurous and curious shoppers were out of luck.

The great news is the show has been rescheduled at 4102 Sneed Rd for this weekend with the some fabulous additions joining in with the original trio. Betsy Hindman will be there with her gorgeous  collection of vintage charms bracelets,  Jimy Nichols with his clay botanicals and Peter Nash presenting fine portraits of people and pets.  Also, Kippie, Maggie and Charlotte have many new items for you to see.  As anticipated, this show will not disappoint you and we promise, the door will be open for business ALL WEEKEND LONG.

Before we talk any further about this show, Liza wants to pipe in. Liza: “Yes, you can go to any of these trunk shows even if you don’t know the women holding the show.  REALLY! I’ve had several people ask me that over the past few months.  We would not write about it if we, in any way, thought you would feel uncomfortable popping in and seeing what each show was all about!  I  So GO!  Have FUN! No need to feel intimidated!“  Now, back to Elizabeth’s post:

Betsy Hindman wearing one of my favorite bracelets

Plum Charm Bracelets, Betsy Hindman’s new business venture, opens up a  new world of English and vintage charm bracelets that will delight the eye. When most of us think of charm bracelets, we think of the charm bracelets that marked personal events or happening in our life.  However, in England, in the 40’s through the 60’s, charm bracelets were made with charms so imaginative and creative, they are now considered collector’s items.  Many of the bracelets were based on themes and all were made in high quality silver and gold– many with mixed metals creating gorgeous patinas.

1960's english charm bracelet with 13 sterling teapots

Where modern charms are one-dimensional, vintage charms are more complex with a sense of elegance and whimsy.  Many charms have movable parts and open to reveal something unexpected.  Imagine a church with a tiny bride and groom inside, or martini shaker with a red devil winking at you;  the creators’ sense of playfulness and intricate design continue to marvel us decades later.

This bracelet with over 100 big band instruments would look great on Taylor Swift!

Here is what I adore about these one of a kind charm bracelets:  their history is fascinating; they look fabulous & fun with a casual over-sized sweater or sophisticated with your little black dress; if you are in need of an ice breaker or conversation starter, just jingle your charm bracelet.  As the trend of chunky, bigger than life  jewelry continues, these bracelets will define any outfit. Betsy finds themed charm bracelets entirely made up of musical instruments, cooking utensils, sporting equipment, the 50 states and more.  If you are looking for a specific theme, Betsy’s sources- spanning several countries- are incredible so ask her to research a bracelet for you.  You will not be disappointed by the craftsmanship and detail of the bracelets in her collection.

Jimy Nichols is a master of deception.  At first glance, I thought. “Oh, what a twist, the show will have some fresh flowers and plants for sale.”  But with further inspection, I realized all of the images are made of TN and KY clay! Jimy was trained at the prestigious Parsons School of Design and continues to amaze his colleagues. Each petal is formed by hand, painted with numerous layers of glaze and assembled meticulously.  His foxglove clay creation can have as many as 400 pieces.  All the containers you see are made by Jimy.  Decorators like Mario Buatta, Jane Shelton and Charles Faudree consider themselves followers.  Truly, if you are shopping for a person that has everything, (the one that you lose sleep over about what to buy every year), consider one of Jimy Nichols’ clay creations.  I think his clay botanicals are the most original art I’ve seen in a long time.

Hollyhock in clay:simply gorgeous

A clay botanical of foxgloves by Jimy Nichols

Peter Nash will compete for your beloved pets’ attention. Nash, one of Nashville’s top celebrity photographers, can capture your pooch’s attention with incredible skill… and I’m sure patience.  He has gained a national following for these portraits.  I know so many friends that consider their pet their soul mates; the gift of a portrait will inspire for years to come.  For more pet portraits, see Peter’s website: www.peternashdogs.com

"Without loving your subject there is no passion and without passion you shouldn't be photographing."-Peter Nash

And back to the original three: here are some pictures to inspire by Kippy Leland, Maggie Troutman and Charlotte Terrel!

I LOVE the chair. As many of my friends and StyleBlueprint readers know, chairs are my passion and nemesis. Can one really have too many chairs? Nouveau-Deco Chair from Kippy Lealand

Dusk over water by Charlotte Terrell

Maggie Troutman has such an eye for wonderful vintage prints. There should be some unwritten rule: if you find a series of almost anything in the way of old prints, BUY THEM. Not only do they completely command the wall they grace, they can be used almost anywhere in a home. These are fabulous! Shell collages in bronze frames

Green Hills Sale: Art, Antiques & Acquisitions

4102 Sneed Road

Thursday-Friday-Saturday  10A-5PM

Thursday- Twilight Sale 6PM-8PM

Sunday Noon-4PM

For more information call:  Maggie, #210.6195I

Beat the Grinch and Make Merry in Berry Hill this Saturday

As I took a right onto Bransford Avenue, there was activity everywhere. A huge white tent was set up in front of a Curious Heart and merchants were bustling preparing for the holiday open houses.  And, in a show of support, all of the participating shop owners prominently displayed the open house posters in their windows.

Over 24 retailers are participating in the Making Merry in Berry Hill Holiday Open House this Saturday. I must tell you this is not a stop by and have some punch and cookies affair; this is a total ALL OUT PARTY.   The festivities kick off at 10AM with the Coco Bon Bon’s Kids Fashion Show and ends at 6PM with a Jazz Quintet and Wine Tasting hosted by Robert Lipman Brothers– all under the big white tent.  There are tons of musical activities throughout the day: everything from Swing bands, to Ballroom Dancing, to an Americana singer named Susan.  For the kids and fun-loving adults too, Hair Mafia will offer holiday hair painting and face painting.  The Piece of Cake Bakery will sponsor a cupcake decorating lesson and Santa will arrive at the  Pfunky Griddle at 1PM for pictures.  If your pooch feels left out, tell him or her not to fret because See Spot Eat will have a special Christmas for Doggies from 10-3PM.  By the way, there are 3 pet stores in Berry Hill so Bowser can have a darn good time all day long.

A couple of merchants on Franklin Rd decided Berry Hill’s boundaries can extend outside of the ‘hood and are offering some great specials: Fabric Gallery is having a 10-20% off sale and Melrose Neighborhood Pub will have drink specials featuring their new brews.

I couldn’t wait to knock on the door of some of my favorite merchants to see what was cooking inside. Gilcrest & Gilcrest had brown paper on their windows to keep out suspicious types as Gilcrest & Gilcrest truly  wants to unveil their gorgeous wares in a dramatic way.  (By the way don’t forget to pick up the holiday issue of Southern Living and see owner Genia Gilcrest’s spectacular home.)

I did sneak in the back door of G&G to take some preview pictures that were allowed just for our readers. Genia takes shabby chic to the next level with a sophisticated eye for furniture and vintage collections.   After leaving Gilcrest & Gilcrest,  I stopped by Manor– right next door.  Manor was also locked, but someone forgot to re-lock the door so I slipped in quite unassuming.  Once inside, I couldn’t believe some of the gorgeous holiday items and displays.  Another daring shopper did the same and walked in and after a quick assessment said, “I’ll take that  cabinet because I can’t bear to see anyone else have it.”  I kept wondering if it was some important country music type since it is CMA week.  I asked Earl, the owner, right after he wrote up the huge order, “Is CLOSED is the new OPEN?.”  Let’s face it,  you’d feel just a teensy weensy bit obligated to buy something after you barged in on the owner of a locked store.

Most importantly:  BOTH GILCREST & GILCREST  AND MANOR ARE OFFERING 20% OFF OF EVERYTHING -except items $10 and under THIS  SATURDAY. If that lady had just waited until Saturday.  But, I guess when you have to have it, you HAVE TO HAVE IT!

So let’s take a look at the WONDERS behind the locked doors of Gilcrest and Gilcrest and Manor, again, for your eyes only (but feel free to forward to friends!)

At Gilcrest & Gilcrest, gorgeous chaise lounge with pillows, christmas tags and trees

Vintage Christmas tree waiting to be adorned with ornaments, sale price $250 @ Gilcrest

Gilcrest has an impressive collection of Florentine for the holidays

I love these icicles made from fossilized salt, large $7 and small $5

Please Santa, I want this handmade pillow at Manor with REAL metallic threads

Don't get your hopes up for the cabinet, but don't you love the snowflakes from Manor?

Manor has great holiday hostess gifts including these candle duets in holiday fragrances

Making Merry in Berry Hill

Saturday, November 14,

10A-5PM

Gilcrest & Gilcrest/Manor

2823 Bransford Avenue

Let’s face it: our homes speak volumes about our personalities. They are a mirror to our outlook on life sometimes reflecting our sense of welcome, order, beliefs or simply the way we like to adorn our own little world inside 4 walls.

Rarely has a home mirrored the inner soul of the owner so completely as the bungalow owned by Linda and Addison Gore in the historic Whitland Avenue neighborhood.  Addison’s ability to fix and create, coupled with Linda’s  love of  design, color, and balance allows them to transform simple things into astounding objects of beauty.  Linda is the driving creative force inside the walls. Whether it be the battered lamp from Dealer’s Choice or a dress purchased at Jamie’s 75% off sale, if Linda sees a thread of potential, she is able to transform her find into a masterpiece.

When you walk through the front door, your eyes come alive immediately with the play on colors and artful arrangements everywhere. My tour began in the living room where Linda pointed out the lamp she designed from a pattern, then had it cast in refurbished copper. Then she added the verdigre patina.  The mantle reflects a sense of balance and serves as a place to showcase one of her many pieces of art.  She noted a pair of vases she designed and made from clay and even the pillows on the couches are adorned with hand painted buttons.

The vase Linda handmade from clay.

A corner view of the living room. Notice the hand painted buttons and the aforementioned recast lamp!

The dining room is simply gorgeous grounded by a large wooden table purchased in Mexico.  On the wall is hung a stately mirror called a Trumeau, as it is inspired by a French design. Linda drew a pattern and together, she and Addison built the mirror, found the appliques and added the finish.  The end result is stunning.  Small painted metal tables are on both ends of the room and both were designed and painted by Linda.  “That’s a lot of work,” I mused.  Linda’s response was, “Do you know how hard is to find narrow tables that fit in specific spaces?“  She’s right, but believe me, it’s still a lot of work.  The tables add a wonderful dimension to the small corner where they reside.

One of the narrow side tables in the Gore's dining room. Great arrangements make a room. Notice the Mexican dining room table reflected.

French inspired mirror in the dining room

In the kitchen, consider the quaint breakfast nook tucked into the corner. The lamp ($40) and the table were found at Dealer’s Choice.  What initially caught Linda’s eye in regards to the lamp was the outright quirkiness it had as it’s an old umbrella stand!  with it’s rusting edges and industrial look, it makes a gorgeous statement.  The table was a bit more expensive, but with the elaborate stenciling, it was a “must buy” that adds another element of charm to her kitchen.

Lamp and table from Dealers Choice inspire a breakfast nook

Upstairs is as much fun as the downstairs and our next stop was the guest bedroom. Linda made the pillows and the quilt on the bed.  When asked, “You made the quilt too?” she explains how.  ”Well I get a bunch of fabric from sales and left over projects, then cut them in all kinds of shapes and sizes, sew them in a zig-zag fashion and see what happens.”  I chuckle and think, “You can pull that off, but I can’t.”  And that is a truism since the bag of fabric that Linda and I bought together is still stashed in my laundry room.  I marvel at her energy! I have included a couple pictures of side tables  because I simply love her eye for arranging THINGS and I think you will too.

The quaint and cozy guest room.

Linda’s love of decorating is matched by her talent as an artist. ALL of the artwork in her home is HER OWN art!  The color palette in her home is consistent: burnt oranges, chartreuse, eggplant, and cream.  My favorite of all her art is her sketches because of their simplicity and white space.  They are inspired by past memories, Eudora Welty and Linda’s North Carolina heritage.  Yep, time to start scrolling back up to take a look at all the artwork on the walls again.  Yep, all Linda Gore.  Amazing.

A black and white sketch inspired by Linda's Southern heritage.

So dear reader, what can you take away from this post? Find the treasures you love and don’t be afraid to rehab them.  Add a great lamp shade or change out the knobs, even try a new paint technique.  Use color to accent rooms with pillows, throws, and lamps.  Keep the palette in your home consistent so each room flows and feels connected.  Finally, have some fun with it all.  If your home truly reflects who you are then make some bold statements and BE CREATIVE!

Note: Linda has started making fabulous jewelry; the pieces are so varied and interesting we will devote an entire post to her creations before the Holidays.  But to give you a glimpse, here is a picture of Linda wearing one of her pieces (available at Sugar).  We promise, we’ll post more about the collection later.  OK, I can HEAR you saying you want a sneak preview.  I understand.  Click here. Have a lovely day- Elizabeth