Reading Aids

We stopped by the used bookstore today, and I found a 'new to me' book that just jumped off the shelves and into my hands. It's 'Beautiful Bedrooms with Ribbons & Trims' from Tinsel Trading Company. (Links below) And THIS is what happens when Deb gets a hold of a book with creative ideas in it, my friends. Can't see it? Look below...

I read books with a notepad, a pen, and a stack of stickynotes at hand. And my glasses. sigh. By the time I am done, every third or fourth page is marked with a Post-it note (thank you Remy & Michelle! ;0) ) or two, or three, scribbled with ideas that rush into my brain as I view photos of fabulous creations. This whole darned book is sporting flaggy things out the top and side now, evidence of the power of the stunning photos and ideas to jump-start the creative side of anyone's brain!!

This one, for example: Marcia Ceppos (TTC proprietress and creative director/designer, and author of this book) took an old painting and collaged it, using faux flowers & leaves, ribbons, and whatnot. I have in my possession one of the most hideously colored paintings of orange poppies you've ever seen. God love my husbands' great grandma...most of her paintings are stunning (and we have LOTS of them). But THAT one? Notsomuch. I already sold the frame that it was in, but am stuck with the painting. Now I know what to do with it! (And I am so excited that I very nearly went out to the barn in the dark to get it and start tonight...but I'll wait...)

More ideas in there have me imagining all kinds of lovelies for our upcoming Spring Garden Party Retreat themes, and of course our booth at Farm Chicks. I've long admired the visual merchandising & display of Rosemary Warren, TTT's 'visualist' (LOVE that term!) and she has worked her magic again in the pages of this book. Just beautiful!

(You know, I really shouldn't read stuff like this at nine PM....my brain will be running for HOURS now.)

Available on amazon.com