Modern Vintage Design Studio - A new shop on old Cape Cod

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdRIDeIRmOrSQE_H5DMuC3O_5TDhN8kiQf-qohyq0hWZYc1Lf5SyPWA7KuYnp-rnHpWpvOHr_ttVfj_EbIKwI2fSbmO5IyUQ3yRkDXPrKLOBo9uU4-akG3EF-yJaUHNUJZdu1FB7c_mo/s1600/IMG_2829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdRIDeIRmOrSQE_H5DMuC3O_5TDhN8kiQf-qohyq0hWZYc1Lf5SyPWA7KuYnp-rnHpWpvOHr_ttVfj_EbIKwI2fSbmO5IyUQ3yRkDXPrKLOBo9uU4-akG3EF-yJaUHNUJZdu1FB7c_mo/s1600/IMG_2829.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Before I move off Cape this week, I wanted to go visit a new shop I'd heard about from my landscaper - who is the proud father of one of the shop owners.  <a href="http://www.modernvintagedesignstudio.com/" target="_blank">Modern Vintage</a> on Rte 6A in Sandwich, MA, is owned by Cara (textile design and sewing) and Kristen (furniture refinishing) who have created a lovely space filled with hand painted and updated vintage furniture, beautiful textiles (including adorable dresses for little girls) and small accessories. They also offer custom hand-painted signs and custom invitation design services, plus workshops and children's birthday parties. This week they are offering a Kids Sew & Craft Summer Camp. Creativity is just pouring out of these young women so definitely check out their <a href="http://www.modernvintagedesignstudio.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and do stop in when you're next on Cape Cod.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2GdjzrxS9Q6JVqbO2y1DGVIktsM9ZeyuvbWx9UYlCzy2B5FOtR_Eu3ibiayfhl9XeQZs5YhzOk-Kbd5qLnwnKRfNWxUnyLv4bOc5rlHN2GuCSBc9XsabF4T0740zU7bvysR3fZcFxmI/s1600/IMG_2825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2GdjzrxS9Q6JVqbO2y1DGVIktsM9ZeyuvbWx9UYlCzy2B5FOtR_Eu3ibiayfhl9XeQZs5YhzOk-Kbd5qLnwnKRfNWxUnyLv4bOc5rlHN2GuCSBc9XsabF4T0740zU7bvysR3fZcFxmI/s1600/IMG_2825.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQGWxkWC5yc_WCz02zex3q-LpS3zbz3r8TcRburAfAK10PQ8UUxHvMEziTYGNmO_4OtYdYmdf7L3eL_eF0B2-Kre6n73FK3ajmaNIT1XzFjAPCMkrdg7YIY5pFzZh6UJ0NAyZP2VPEH4/s1600/IMG_2826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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Modern Vintage Design Studio - A new shop on old Cape Cod

Before I move off Cape this week, I wanted to go visit a new shop I'd heard about from my landscaper - who is the proud father of one of...

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Charlotte Moss at the Boston Design Center

Today I'm headed off to the Boston Design Center for a talk by the amazing Charlotte Moss. She's our only repeat guest so far on <a href="http://www.skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="">The Skirted Roundtable</a> and has such a warm personality.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0HUIEoh6-WrPCMTbtkSZbaKD4JvnM4nIiLbK5a-Hahq-S9c4d79BhUaL5Rw_Vh4Pmjgnre-stQWGw-nEhuFrvBtzpO3b4EAZHtGEivhWbqEPWbye7ka9fcmGsdrxKnMDRGSXGnTuIeY/s1600/IMG_3097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0HUIEoh6-WrPCMTbtkSZbaKD4JvnM4nIiLbK5a-Hahq-S9c4d79BhUaL5Rw_Vh4Pmjgnre-stQWGw-nEhuFrvBtzpO3b4EAZHtGEivhWbqEPWbye7ka9fcmGsdrxKnMDRGSXGnTuIeY/s640/IMG_3097.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The talk and luncheon are sponsored by <a href="http://www.centuryfurniture.com/Gallery/ShowProductList.aspx?qSearch=Charlotte+Moss" target="_blank" title="">Century Furniture</a> which has a collection of Charlotte's furniture designs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhau6ucFZGNzzKTalZuaCdQOAno_gdnrnFYHmyr2oY_CLDhJrM7wThhP9ogvyiGav2O5SPArP6uwnixM6ssV-WGBDK_zEa7W2DIaPV5S6SvpHPt2nZqwLiaPnl2VyJRc7JouY7iPbImaVY/s1600/IMG_3111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhau6ucFZGNzzKTalZuaCdQOAno_gdnrnFYHmyr2oY_CLDhJrM7wThhP9ogvyiGav2O5SPArP6uwnixM6ssV-WGBDK_zEa7W2DIaPV5S6SvpHPt2nZqwLiaPnl2VyJRc7JouY7iPbImaVY/s640/IMG_3111.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll be <a href="http://www.twitter.com/surroundings" target="_blank" title="">tweeting</a> from the seminar room starting at 11 if you want to follow along!</div><br /><div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Charlotte Moss at the Boston Design Center

Today I'm headed off to the Boston Design Center for a talk by the amazing Charlotte Moss. She's our only repeat guest so far on The...

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Kathryn Ireland and Steve McKenzie for Grange Furniture

<div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I've always loved Grange Furniture, so was interested to learn about their new North American upholstery collection featuring designs by "Million Dollar Decorator" <a href="http://www.kathrynireland.com/" target="_blank" title="">Kathryn M. Ireland</a> and <a href="http://www.stevemckenzies.com/" target="_blank" title="">Steve McKenzie</a>. </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Kathryn's collection -Tapisserie - features pieces with classic lines and comfortable appeal. I particularly like the English arm sectional (hmm, maybe for my <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Linda%27s%20Dream%20House" target="_blank" title="">dream home</a>?) and the tufted Montricoux chaise.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8592868882/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="993" id="blogsy-1364310680088.4668" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8592868882_8a6746a14c_c.jpg" width="728"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Steve's collection - Columbus - features pieces with slightly more contemporary lines and detailing. I particularly love the Mary bench for its elegant simplicity. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/8591769225/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="577" id="blogsy-1364310680079.6565" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8238/8591769225_6a18f663e3.jpg" width="692"></a></div> <p> Learn more <a href="http://www.grange.fr/grange/easysite/grange/us/browse-products/North-American-Upholstery" target="_self" title=""></a><a href="http://www.grange.fr/grange/easysite/grange/us/browse-products/North-American-Upholstery" target="_blank" title="">here</a>. </p> <p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: left; ">If you would like my help on your dream house project, I would love to chat with you! Please </span><a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com" style="text-align: left; ">email me</a><span style="text-align: left; ">. Thanks!</span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" style="text-align: left; " type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" class="" height="16" id="blogsy-1364310680085.6155" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" width="16"></a><span style="text-align: left; "> </span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" style="text-align: left; " type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></span></p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Kathryn Ireland and Steve McKenzie for Grange Furniture

I've always loved Grange Furniture, so was interested to learn about their new North American upholstery collection featuring designs by...

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The Skirted Roundtable: Miles Redd

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC_GJwlOk-kvngHKrL-M80Bw014nqapMTDrbKfSPsjRWaTJEYwEeJ9JGIHPYpCrCOmpnfcKh0PUmyuuv_oXn_kSN4r__YVlHH_1zzff5OM2zm7z7a9ULKyJXxkgMV1cfvcMSn4I9D4B8/s1600/Big+Book+of+Chic+pg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC_GJwlOk-kvngHKrL-M80Bw014nqapMTDrbKfSPsjRWaTJEYwEeJ9JGIHPYpCrCOmpnfcKh0PUmyuuv_oXn_kSN4r__YVlHH_1zzff5OM2zm7z7a9ULKyJXxkgMV1cfvcMSn4I9D4B8/s640/Big+Book+of+Chic+pg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />This week at <a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2012/11/chatting-with-miles-redd.html" target="_blank">The Skirted Roundtable</a> we had the pleasure of sitting down with the fabulously talented and charming <a href="http://milesredd.com/" target="_blank">Miles Redd</a>. Known for his exuberant use of color, pattern and pizazz, Miles took us through his career beginnings, his style choices and his fantastic new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1614280614/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1614280614&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">The Big Book of Chic</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1614280614" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklUeLjif5MRUWbi1xONhrXa3qayFTL_M7pNzw4LATz4P9-zF9hdXdqDFVO9AWFrdwV4TD25wur4UGCPJxwlgyTfxQLfq0S0zCJy5RJzX62ZbYHz_sItk_LmmnhufKFvn658TK07kCEj8/s1600/Front+door.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklUeLjif5MRUWbi1xONhrXa3qayFTL_M7pNzw4LATz4P9-zF9hdXdqDFVO9AWFrdwV4TD25wur4UGCPJxwlgyTfxQLfq0S0zCJy5RJzX62ZbYHz_sItk_LmmnhufKFvn658TK07kCEj8/s1600/Front+door.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Miles' iconic New York townhouse exterior</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_ZfUow6qUhIzDJcMonaKw3f5qxZuOib2iCBdoznDFJW3mbd56YYzei5d-kfXI1JcwegrLjKgv8NB12RM0N0R9xuYMYHmlDaAEGGzAFoT0P7IB34c9DJtP6Y56wWLf1KrRKSBkW0Ktyg/s1600/Mirrored+BR.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_ZfUow6qUhIzDJcMonaKw3f5qxZuOib2iCBdoznDFJW3mbd56YYzei5d-kfXI1JcwegrLjKgv8NB12RM0N0R9xuYMYHmlDaAEGGzAFoT0P7IB34c9DJtP6Y56wWLf1KrRKSBkW0Ktyg/s1600/Mirrored+BR.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv74FCK0wxViTscIeC_UDItHdVodlIC8JJTH_njsC1JasKqxHiLjDS-kJjNgyy_V5mBFwV4iC6Ma1kk7S9ilkOTy_P7t0k0gVDg5F-1Il9PCpGqKXcYxsbNNyNxqkkzL8VSwKORB1PPYTO/s1600/Blue+red+hall.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv74FCK0wxViTscIeC_UDItHdVodlIC8JJTH_njsC1JasKqxHiLjDS-kJjNgyy_V5mBFwV4iC6Ma1kk7S9ilkOTy_P7t0k0gVDg5F-1Il9PCpGqKXcYxsbNNyNxqkkzL8VSwKORB1PPYTO/s1600/Blue+red+hall.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoYj2xL-37NjR0gZpRiCHxMmP67wwxXPBW5bB4npN2UdpDWyGYNSx1GGFdeGN9j1mO-_cx6yfh3ErFORVVZ5FxDQEjsFTPojP8eMKNXMkamY-XzXYtI4BQuw0nWEHfpzPC5idhr9SmATo/s1600/blue+hall.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoYj2xL-37NjR0gZpRiCHxMmP67wwxXPBW5bB4npN2UdpDWyGYNSx1GGFdeGN9j1mO-_cx6yfh3ErFORVVZ5FxDQEjsFTPojP8eMKNXMkamY-XzXYtI4BQuw0nWEHfpzPC5idhr9SmATo/s1600/blue+hall.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG5162N_LnII-beP_VSOzbKwpTgceAhZpaU59Y4AvgV5GJCT2Tz0sKVsKj_DhYG_qCg3sKaj6HS5iZuLbm9c_r46xXWHqHIil-JqgzdQS5L0WGhaGVKG1IGwXHGwb63we2QoO1pofNPfG/s1600/Zebra+bathroom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDG5162N_LnII-beP_VSOzbKwpTgceAhZpaU59Y4AvgV5GJCT2Tz0sKVsKj_DhYG_qCg3sKaj6HS5iZuLbm9c_r46xXWHqHIil-JqgzdQS5L0WGhaGVKG1IGwXHGwb63we2QoO1pofNPfG/s1600/Zebra+bathroom.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3VLt-YJ-oTh7LFWs52qD1vwc0oz5C80C8YF8h0pgAc7RTGGjoHQi43CWkOH27p06rd8HwK3YYCbcYQ7IfCvIODIgZ7a434l6IOHg8U6XHCx_mZOOw8M0M3MkB3-NVtAiIlXNvFQjZSHm/s1600/blue+lr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3VLt-YJ-oTh7LFWs52qD1vwc0oz5C80C8YF8h0pgAc7RTGGjoHQi43CWkOH27p06rd8HwK3YYCbcYQ7IfCvIODIgZ7a434l6IOHg8U6XHCx_mZOOw8M0M3MkB3-NVtAiIlXNvFQjZSHm/s1600/blue+lr.png" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2012/11/chatting-with-miles-redd.html" target="_blank">Join us</a>!<br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

The Skirted Roundtable: Miles Redd

This week at The Skirted Roundtable we had the pleasure of sitting down with the fabulously talented and charming Miles Redd . Known for hi...

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Novica, offering a world wide audience to artists in developing nations

<a href="http://www.novica.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">N</span></span></b>ovica</a> is a website that offers handmade jewelry, art, clothing and small home accessories crafted by artists from around the world.  Their mission, in their own words: <br /><br />"We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow. At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.<br />We want you to know about who you're buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it. In the spirit of the Internet, let us bring you together."<br /><br />Novica promotes the notion that artisans in developing nations merely need the ability to showcase their talents in a fair way in order for them to shine. In addition to providing the web presence, Novica also offers Microfinancing to those whose local financing options, if there are any, come with steep interest charges.  Studies show that repayment of micro loans is exceptionally high and are great social investments. Novica customers can also contribute to lending pools by directly funding an individual artist's loan request. When the loan is repaid, it can be re-lent to another artist, used to purchase Novica products (with a 15% bonus on top) or withdrawn. Pretty clever.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>hey were kind enough to offer me the chance to try out their service and select a couple of items. I'm a stickler for customer service, delivery and quality and was not disappointed here. <br /><br />Even though I don't cover fashion or personal style on this blog, I couldn't help but order this beautiful <a href="http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=162659" target="_blank">Elixir</a> glass and freshwater pearl necklace. It's as pretty in person as it is here in their photo:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/9/p162659_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/9/p162659_2.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>nd this is Nareerat Tansuwansophon from Thailand, who made the necklace. You can read her story <a href="http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=162659" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/9/a6294_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/9/a6294_3.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> also ordered this lovely little handmade <a href="http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=151075" target="_blank">Celedon vase</a>: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/9/p151075_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/9/p151075_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A</span></span></b>nd this is ceramic artist Duangkamol Srisukri, also from Thailand. Her story is <a href="http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=151075" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/9/a6516_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/9/a6516_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">T</span></span></b>he package arrived in about a week or so and was extremely well packaged and the presentation could not have been better. The vase was wrapped in an intricate "box" made of tightly wound sturdy tissue paper and then gift wrapped with handmade paper. The necklace came in a coordinating jewelry box. Each piece had a nicely made note card describing the piece with a quote from the artist, and a small handwritten note from "Team Thailand" was included as well. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1tXNN6FZyJ3alYlylF6bdNLQ0lFVPD7dFRkPfhdejSR_XKIV_DhN07BOUtYg91PaeJ05xIrkj10F0NAQSM2cEujxnpbnDxQdKohOLb6Xz-XH8FUMyKKHvGTHxIt_b3N-NQzDSdBAQJ06/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1tXNN6FZyJ3alYlylF6bdNLQ0lFVPD7dFRkPfhdejSR_XKIV_DhN07BOUtYg91PaeJ05xIrkj10F0NAQSM2cEujxnpbnDxQdKohOLb6Xz-XH8FUMyKKHvGTHxIt_b3N-NQzDSdBAQJ06/s640/photo-4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvVwtTilq72p2VVzoSK5RjJ2lgr3QoIn_NBURkacSw5TUumkz0qrIEV-mgILu3Zvsb37-2DN53hY3OqeX0Il5liZ6FG4uNq53lS0-DDW6k0VErUQf6_OzVfLR5a_ssUEt3pWMcUM-dBtk/s1600/DSCN6161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvVwtTilq72p2VVzoSK5RjJ2lgr3QoIn_NBURkacSw5TUumkz0qrIEV-mgILu3Zvsb37-2DN53hY3OqeX0Il5liZ6FG4uNq53lS0-DDW6k0VErUQf6_OzVfLR5a_ssUEt3pWMcUM-dBtk/s640/DSCN6161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b> honestly can't recommend this site enough, especially if you wanted to send the item as a gift. Other jewelry items they offer are <a href="http://accessories.novica.com/mens/cufflinks/sterling-silver/india/" target="_blank">silver cufflinks</a> from India, <a href="http://accessories.novica.com/womens/belts/recycled/brazil/" target="_blank">belts made in Brazil</a> from recycled soda pop-tabs, gorgeous <a href="http://accessories.novica.com/womens/scarves/painted/silk/" target="_blank">painted silk scarves</a>, alpaca<a href="http://accessories.novica.com/womens/shawls/alpaca-wool/" target="_blank"> wool shawls</a>, and hand-knit <a href="http://clothing.novica.com/sweaters/" target="_blank">sweaters</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/15/p162600_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/15/p162600_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">O</span></span></b>n the home decor front, they offer <a href="http://area-rugs.novica.com/" target="_blank">beautiful hand knotted rugs</a> from Mexico, the Andes, Kashmir and India. A friend of mine was familiar with the Novica website and has been keeping an eye on their<a href="http://paintings.novica.com/" target="_blank"> fine art offerings</a>, as he has an interest in modern and in particular Cubist style paintings. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/4/p114895_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://pics.novica.com/pictures/4/p114895_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>f you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Novica, offering a world wide audience to artists in developing nations

N ovica is a website that offers handmade jewelry, art, clothing and small home accessories crafted by artists from around the world.  Thei...

Read more »

Dogs and Cats

<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">H</span></span></b>ere are two newly published articles of mine. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.networx.com/article/pet-portraits" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0M_0gJ8ZWzcwf6yaK1p01AvJ-5pvV7bIfosZtLMy7liksLIAtSCkTaTqKn1DG493fFqQUDw1vmGqz7M-VOaSxkGxoNuKEHG9sKmc7cq7GY5e1CRzg9nKmtvVUkPj3A1YV7u-0Vtlc3rPG/s640/Networx+Pet+Portraits.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">M</span></span></b>y thanks to pet portrait artists <a href="http://www.christinemerrill.com/merrill/" target="_blank">Christine Merrill</a>, <a href="http://adrianawillsie.com/" target="_blank">Adriana Willsie</a> and <a href="http://www.janeohara.com/" target="_blank">Jane O'Hara</a> for speaking with me for this article.  Definitely check out their websites and their unique takes on some pretty cute pets! <a href="http://www.networx.com/article/pet-portraits" target="_blank">Read the article here</a>. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/design_pulse/design_blog/designers_working_together.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgbBF2w55vfY9NEzzHephBDdKm2WcStmqEeeEndLUYDjWRyrQDmv9Sa9NCwXK-O8twzikr_zIWcS9roIQlxgFfAWzanpBIrBPLW1tZ2G2dxbgITe-oFp83-QbdhPnGZ-0YIg4_-lnNhFM/s640/WSI+Designer+competition.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">O</span></span></b>n Williams-Sonoma Designer Marketplace, I tackle the subject of competition between designers and the importance that mutual support plays in our careers. Whether you're a design or a design fan, I think you'll learn something. And I'd love to hear your thoughts as well! <a href="http://www.wsidesignermarketplace.com/content/designer/design_pulse/design_blog/designers_working_together.html" target="_blank">Read the article here</a>. <br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I</span></span></b>f you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Dogs and Cats

H ere are two newly published articles of mine. M y thanks to pet portrait artists Christine Merrill , Adriana Willsie and Jane O'Hara ...

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