My Cotton Lace Curtains

I have long been dreaming of cotton lace curtains billowing softly in my home. This dream began some years ago when I saw Maggie Tabberer's home featured in the Woman's Weekly. Her poolside lace curtains had me hook, line and sinker.





 

Maggie's curtains are just so exquisite don't you think! These images are from the lovely 'Simply Natural' blog and author Catherine features more on Maggie's home here.





After researching lace curtains some more I stumble across Keri's gorgeous post on her blog 'Driftwood Interiors'. Keri showcases Marcella Kaspar's home (coincidentally Maggie's home in a past life) and I also think her lace curtains pictured above are very special.

For my lace curtains I wanted something a little unexpected to go with my poolside terracotta clad floors and 70's homely vibe. I wanted a vintage look you could say.  

I soon discovered I had my work cut out for me. Souring such a look wasn't so easy especially when on a budget!

One thing was for sure they had to be all cotton. No voile no way!

 I purchased my stunning Madras Cotton Lace panels from a woman in America who was selling them at a steal. They are a discontinued line from the Morton Young and Borland Company that specialises in manufacturing Cotton Lace on original Nottingham lace looms and Scotch Leno Gauze Weave.

I bought extra for future client's, but if they tickle your fancy I'd be delighted to have you enjoy them too at this very special price.

B

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Ken Done - A blast from my past

While our kids are at the zoo I have popped into my office for a few hours. Coming to my studio on a weekend is so delightful. The stillness is so rejuvenating and I can focus.
 

 

 

Just now, on my way back from the bathroom, I stopped by my neighbour's studio Framing Workshop to say a quick hello and I notice a Ken Done print on their walls. Apparently Richard does a lot of Ken's framing. This print was of one of Ken's older painting depicting his art studio in Mosman situated above beautiful Chinamen's Beach The Cabin Studio. I was amazed to see how Ken's work painted back in 1980 conjured the same mood that I am trying to create in my new home. I notice many similarities especially in the furnishings.

During my preteens Ken Done was massive. His vibrant graphics and designs covered everything and anything from bikinis to coasters to Olympic posters. He was not only our local Mosman legend but our international one.
 

 

Around the same time Stuart Membery was another Aussie Mosman superstar, but I am planning another post about Stu later. Briefly however, the gorgeous Stuart Membery Jamaica lounge which I am currently importing from Stu in Bali is most similar to the one in Ken's painting don't you think? 
 

 

And the bamboo door curtain I recently bought off ebay for our childrens playroom also features here in Ken's painting.

Now that my curiosity in Ken Done has been rekindled I wanted to know more. His recent works are truly sublime. I just gave Amanda a call at the Ken Done gallery situated in The Rocks and she tells me Ken, now in his 70's, has moved away from his design work and is focusing solely on his fine arts. I am truly blown away by his current collection. His Viridian Sea Garden painted last year is my idea of art perfection. What do you think?

PS:

If anyone is looking for a bamboo door curtain, this ones on ebay looks vintage chic, unique & fabulous. And at $5 a real bargain. Our kids love theirs and it has made their space fun and inviting rather than just another room off our corridor. Hearing where they are within the house as the bamboo tinkers softly like rain is both reassuring and soothing. I am a big fan!

 Have a lovely weekend everyone!

B

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Macrame Love!

I am completely obsessed with macramé at the moment. It all started here with my Mother-in-Laws macrame owl, proudly adorning her car dash. She made it many moons ago and for me it was love at first sight. Textured, earthy and wise, a winning combination in my book.

I recently bought this fabulous vintage macramé plant hanger. It fits my home like a glove. I feel grounded when I walk past it and in tune with a generation of woman who valued different things to me.....the things my Mum valued such as making time to make her husband a lovely home cooked meal.

This morning I emailed a client some stage 2 suggestions for their lovely beach side home. I am hoping they like this image I found of a macrame wall hanging as much as I do.

 

Isn't it just the perfect solution when a bit of tone on tone texture is required! I'll keep you posted on their reaction!

PS: I was inspired tonight to make Jas some homemade sweet & sour pork. As my universe would have it he's working back late!

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