Pantone - 2011 Color of the Year

We share Pantone's recent Press Release below that announces its 2011 color of the year, Honeysuckle. We are loving this choice and think our version in the Magnolia design pictured below would be a lovely complement to any of the Dessy bridesmaid gowns in this exciting and rich color. Keep in mind that we custom dye materials in our studio, so most any can be made for your wedding in this color!

Pantone Reveals Color of the Year for 2011: PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle Energizing Honeysuckle Lifts Spirits and Imparts Confidence to Meet Life's Ongoing Challenges CARLSTADT, N.J., Dec. 9, 2010 – Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 18-2120 Honeysuckle, a vibrant, energetic hue, as the color of the year for 2011. While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life. “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.” Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.” Honeysuckle is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. It's a striking, eye-catching hue that works well for day and night in women's apparel, accessories and cosmetics, and in men's ties, shirts and sportswear. Add a lively flair to interior spaces with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Honeysuckle for a dynamic burst of energy in the family room, kitchen or hallway.

Spirit-lifting, vibrant, festive, alluring, engaging,
confidence-building, dynamic, courage-building. . .
sounds and looks good to us!!

Best to all,

Pantone - 2011 Color of the Year

Jessie Arms Botke (1883 - 1971) - An artist of strength & beauty . . .

The longer I live, the more in awe I am of the beauty that surrounds us. There should be little doubt of my love for the beauty and elegance of our avian friends; taken to the air with grace and color. The art created by American Wildlife artist, Jessie Arms Botke, during the early to mid-1900's is an example of exquisite tribute to these creatures of beauty! I long to have such beauty in our studio to help inspire designs fitting of similar tribute. I hope you enjoy the photos below of some of her art. Ms. Botke's works can be purchased via various galleries.

"The indomitable Jessie Botke was one of the most celebrated decorative painters of the twentieth century. From her early plein-air landscapes to her decorative friezes and imaginary scenes, she arrived at a richly intricate mature style in the 1930s. Working in an era when many women artists were forced to abdicate their careers, Botke successfully integrated her painting with her personal and public life. That her work was accepted in the teens and twenties, and yet remained relevant in the sixties, is a testament to her staying power and the sheer beauty of her paintings." (Patricia Trenton and Deborah Epstein Solon; Birds, Boughs and Blossoms: Jessie Arms Botke (1883-1971); Williams A. Karges Fine Art, Spring 1995)

For her time, Botke was outspoken on the role of women in society and would be considered to day in the avant-garde of women’s liberation. In 1911 and again in 1912, while working for Herter Looms in New York City, she marched up Fifth Avenue from Washington Square to Central Park in the suffragette parade, shouting and demonstrating in her own inimitable fashion. Her husband, Cornelis, an artist who gained special recognition for his etchings, was usually cast in a supporting role. He often stinted on his own work to assist her with her major works, although she sometimes reciprocated by helping with his commissions. “Artist teams are much more common now than they were when we were married [in 1915],” she pointed out, adding without hesitation that “they work… Cornelis and I lean heavily on each other for advice, criticism, and encouragement.” . . . Biography

White Peacock. . .

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. . .



Parrot. . .


India Blue Peacock. . .



Javanese Peacock . . .


Crane. . .


Flamingo. . .


Magnolia. . .

Lovely, aren't they? Maybe I can find affordable prints for the studio. . . A holiday present for us!

Hoping that each of you is blessed with the love and beauty of family and friends during this holiday season!

Jessie Arms Botke (1883 - 1971) - An artist of strength & beauty . . .

Plum Magnolia Prom Moves

Plums and magnolias are among my favorite tastes and scents. . . The following Breeziway Design is a silk plum magnolia accented with rose and plum ostrich feathers and a burst of Swarovski crystals. This design is now available in our online shop and would make a beautiful complement to the prom gowns shown below. You can find the gowns at the Top Ten Prom site.

Nature photos from the Photo Dictionary







NightMoves

LeFemme

Jovani

The Magnolia would also make a lovely complement for bridal attendants and other special occasions. A silk white or ivory magnolia could be made for those brides who would like their headpiece to complement this flower in their bouquet. Just let us know how we can customize this design to meet your special needs.

I am off to pour a glass of plum wine. . . Writing this entry has made me thirsty!

Plum Magnolia Prom Moves