David Hicks ~ A Life of Design Part I

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.David Hicks: A Life of Design
By Ashley Hicks
Rizzoli, $65.00
By Teresa Hatfield
Author, Splendid Sass

                                                                  David Hicks: A Life of Design


A treasure has been offered to those interested in decorating. Ashley Hicks has presented us with the beautiful biography of one of the most talented interior designers known. It may replace the favorite book on the coffee table of those fortunate enough to own it.

David Hicks: A Life of Design is extremely well written, telling the story of the life of this designer in a way that grasps the reader’s attention in a way difficult to describe. This just may be the most valuable interior design publication on the shelf. You be the judge. No narration needed.

This will be a two-part post. I couldn’t decide which photographs to scan, leaving so many only available to those owning the book.

For those of you close to me, or who have seen previous posts, it comes as no surprise that I would love this book -- black, white, gray and vermillion are my chosen colors. Feast your eyes on the following and ENJOY!

I couldn’t resist posting this early, so please go back and see the first etiquette post that I posted earlier today!
See the second Embracing Etiquette lesson below following this post..

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition (Thumb Indexed)

See you soon,
Teresa
Xoxo

Guidelines for living continued… basic introduction. It is important to see the beginning etiquette post (1-29-10).

Consideration:

Consists of thoughtfulness and kindness. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (The Golden Rule) Thoughtfulness means thinking about helping others feel comfortable, and kindness carries this thought into action. Offering praise and showing appreciation are means to accomplish these goals.

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa

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Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition (Thumb Indexed)

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa

Beginning today, I will post an etiquette section each weekday. It will be listed at the end of the regular post or alone if I am unable to post for that day.

The book I will be referencing is Emily Post’s Etiquette, 17th Edition. Much in these posts will be direct quotes. I suggest that all of you keep a copy of this book at hand for your own reference.

As a child, my mother would teach my sisters and me etiquette each day during our summer break from school. She also referred frequently to the book when needed. It was important to our mother that we understood etiquette, and it is equally important to me as a mother. It is something you just MUST do!

So…let’s begin with the basics.

Chapter One ~ Guidelines for Living

Let's go over the common-sense ettiquette rules first.

Respect ~ “Respecting other people means recognizing their value as human beings, regardless of their background, race, or creed.”

Treating others with respect shows character, and to demean another person shows lack thereof. Referring to others as inferior to themselves, disrespect for the ideas of others, and lack of an open mind towards the feelings of others shows a lack of respect and is not acceptable.

Self-respect is as important as respect towards others. A confident person shows character, and displays respect for those around them.

Ready you eyes for a spectacular feast in my next post featuring the work of David Hicks.

See you tomorrow,
Teresa
xoxo

Finished Chalkboard

Finished, framed chalkboard!

Instructions:

See supplies needed in the previous post.

Put glass or chosen surface on newspaper. Wood produces a smoother finish, but I like glass. If painting with spray, go outside, using foam brush to clear drips immediately.

Roll on canned paint with foam roller brush. Once dry paint additional coats. I brush over last coat with dry, soft brush.

Because it was windy here this week, I used the Valspar canned paint with a roller brush. Remember, if you are not a painting pro, you need to use the can paint for a smoother finish!

I put several coats for long term use, and then gently buffed with fine sand paper to get rid of bubbles before final coat. Be very careful to VERY GENTLY buff the surface. You may also paint both sides so that you will have a backup when worn.

I intend on redoing this frame in aluminum leaf for the kitchen, but the frame looks nice as is. There are many easy options for personalizing frames to your taste.

When finished, back yourself, or take back to framer.

Now we have the final product – a framed chalkboard fit for royalty!

This board is a 16 x 20. This is larger that the usual 11 x 14 I make for gifts.

Save your paint because we will be using it for the herb garden project.

You may want to pick up some small/medium terra cotta pots or a window box, along with name tags if you like. Don’t forget the chalk!

This is one gift that is still being used by all of the lucky recipients! ENJOY!

The terra cotta pots are also a beautiful gift. Just add a plant and a pretty bow! We will do this project with the herb garden posts.

There is no end to the uses for chalkboard paint. You will see many of them here :).

Everyday Etiquette with Teresa begins tomorrow.

See you soon, and don’t forget to see the bottom section of each post, as I may have information about a future post.

Teresa,
xoxo

Let's Get Started!

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There are so many things that I am looking forward to sharing with you, and above are only a few of them. There will also be recipes, a kitchen herb garden, fashion, decor, and numerous other posts.

I am behind on my Embracing Etiquette with Teresa post due to this flu that has had a stronghold on me, but I am feeling MUCH better. I am so much looking forward to these posts, as I believe that manners are so important in every aspect of life.

I have three new decorating books, Sister Parish Design, David Hicks, A Life of Design, and Glamourous Rooms by Jan Showers. I can't wait to share these rooms and tips with you.

Now to the task at hand--the blackboard! I have listed the items needed to do this project, and should have the finished product for you to see within the next two days.

Lowe's has the paint in the can and the spray. I found the Valspar stray paint I am using at Michaels, but if you are new to painting, you should use the paint-on.

I found the frame on sale for $30.00, and it includes the glass also if you buy the package. There should be sales at one of the art stores. Hobby Lobby also has fifty-percent sales frequently on their open back frames. You would need to buy the glass or board (easier to paint) to fit, but they will also finish it, at no charge, when your project is completed.

I have found that glass works best, and is very secure once backed, but wood will work.

You will need:

A frame in the size desired
glass to size
chalkboard paint
foam brush or roller brush for canned paint
and gloves.

I will see you back here to explain the process, and to show you the finished product.
Teresa
xoxo

TOO Much Winter? Here's The Green!

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This beautiful garden, as shown in TRADITIONAL HOME magazine online, was designed by Douglas Hoerr for a family in Wilmete, Illinois.

ENJOY!

I am FINALLY coming out of the flu virus that impolitely attacked my system last week. Thank you for your emails.

I am working on several new posts, and I know for certain that you will enjoy each one! I can't wait to let you know what I have been up to as far as the blog is concerned!

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo

SICK LEAVE

Over the past five days I have carried a begrudged enemy -- the flu/cold. With my medicine, cough drops, and BOXES of tissue in tow, my daughter and I visited her Grammy in Tallahassee, Florida.

Barbara made a BIG pot of her delicious, often requested beef stew to ease the pain of this vicious companion. IT HELPED!

Barbara Duke's Beef Stew

Soooo, take this you encapsulated devil, and find a new home!

I hope to be back in the next day or two.
Teresa

For the Love of Roses...

Beginning Monday, post or not, I will begin to place an etiquette tip from the Emily Post Etiquette book on this blog. This will continue until I have covered all areas.

The Rose Garden

The majority of my roses are grown in large containers, but there is nothing like the soil to bring life to this subtle form of beauty. Climbing roses can blanket a wall, trellis, gate, arbor or fence with marvelous grandeur.

A collection of my favorite roses follow, but there are infinite colors, fragrances and shapes to enjoy. Jackson Perkins and Heirloom Roses are the sources here. I have also listed two of my favorite garden centers. Nothing can replace the guidance provided by a reputable nursery, and I put my utmost trust in these two.

Caroline de Monaco Rose (HR)

Alecs Rose (HR)

Veteran's Honor Hybrid Rose (JP)

Sweetness Grandiflora Rose (JP)

Constance Spry (HR)

Courageous (HR)

Graham Thomas Rose (HR)

Robert Clements Rose (HR

Sedona Rose (JP)

One of my trusted gardens, Southern Homes and Gardens, Montgomery, AL., has been a leader in gardening for as long as I can remember.

Green Thumb Nursery in Montgomery, AL. I spent many hours here planning my garden and water garden.

Certainly I am not suggesting that you plant your rose bushes today, but I hope that you have enjoyed this boost from the cold. A well planned garden is the beginning of many hours of pleasure.

See you soon, I am almost finished with the blackboard project, so I will post it soon.

Teresa

My Wish List for 2010

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While I was relaxing in my marble bathtub, in my multi-million-dollar mansion, I thought of a few of the items that I wish for in 2010. Now I really don't have a marble bathtub, or a multi-million-dollar mansion, but I do have plans to make the wish list below a reality in 2010!

This beautiful cashmere jacket from Ralph Lauren has been on my list all season. One more price drop and it is mine!

No woman looks finished without a beautiful shade of Chanel lip colour choice.

This lovely quilt from Waterford will work beautifully with...

these Hotel Bed Linens from Williams-Sonoma Home.

Trapp candles are a must-have in my home!

This Breville Panini Press can be found at Williams-Sonoma.

Video on site.

Ok... I am saving the best until last. My very own coffee maker! This Breville Single-Serve Coffee Maker has been on my list for a while and can be found at Williams Sonoma.
Video on site.

Julia Childs and Beef Bourguignon is what I think of when I see this Le Creuset 5 1/2 Quart Dutch Oven from Williams-Sonoma.

Hickory Chair quality is the reason I have chosen this Devon sofa. The last sofa I purchased from Hickory Chair lasted over ten years, and is still holding up to the beach crowd.

I am excited about 2010, and I hope that you will enjoy my choice of posts! We are going to be busy!

Teresa