Inspiration Day 2: 
Monday, March 23, 2009
Inspiration of the Day...
I love this photo of my daughter Lena running on the beach. Free as can be... hair flying in the wind... arms wide open and ready for change. This past weekend was the Spring Equinox and I experienced the change of the seasons in many ways. The freedom of childhood still is possible for all of us. Welcome Spring!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Inspiration of the Day...
I have decided that it is important each day to stop and breathe in the highlights of life. So every day I am going to post an inspiring image (taking the weekends off...) that uplifts me. Recognizing the beauty in elements, places, people and events. In these times the power of what we choose to pay attention to can have a great effect on our daily experience. As we live our busy lives stop and enjoy the inspiration that can be found every day.
Inspiration Day 1:
Inspiration Day 1:
I love this place located downtown in Chinatown... the random order and color are lovely. What a beautiful surprise when you look up!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Creating a Cover
Labels:
Cover,
The Well Dressed Home
For the past two years I have been working on a book for Clarkson Potter which is titled “The Well Dressed Home” due out in September 2009. It has been a real lesson on patience, learning to create with others, and finding out for myself that anything is possible. What started out as a burst of creative “what ifs” in my office in 2007 and has lead to my first published book on design and how fashion influences our home décor. I am grateful for the experience and look forward to sharing it with you all. Here is the story of our final days of creating the perfect “cover” for “The Well Dressed Home.”
Many ideas have been suggested as to what the cover of the book might look like. If I think back to my first visual of this book, let alone its cover, it has changed so much from what I had originally thought. It has been an evolving process that has taught me that it important to explore all ideas. The original concept has morphed and grown in so many ways that I have outgrown my earlier ideas. What I have learned is that “simple” is best and that inspiration and ideas are often best when presented in a subtle manner. We all live in layered homes. Ones that are a mixture of ourselves, those in our lives and the journeys we have taken. There lies the beauty, in the details of our lives.
Some of our favorite spots on our journey were Shareen Vintage, Palace Costumes, American Rag, Warner Bros Cotume Dept, Walnut and Poshgirlvintage.com
After scouring Los Angeles and the internet for dresses we did finally find 3 candidates to shoot for our cover. In our search here are some of my favorite contenders that deserve honorable mention. Part of the puzzle for finding all the right elements was to be able to match the dress to a wallpaper sample. We wanted to show the relationship between fashion and home décor as simply and as beautifully as possible. To show you how it is all connected. That beyond color there are many other ways in which fashion influences our home décor style. From pattern to texture to details they can all be found in our closets and living rooms in a design that reflects our own unique style.
Setting up proved to be a styling challenge. Getting the dress to lay right on the mannequin. Trying to get the wallpaper as smooth as possible. No creases… hard to do. In the end our stylist Hannah, photographers Karyn Millet and assistant Bret Gum captured the perfect shot. Our cover was done.
It has been a great journey putting together the visuals for “The Well Dressed Home.” Thank you to all that helped make this possible. I look forward to the second half… getting the book on the shelf and sharing it with all of you. Look for my new book in September 2009 from Clarkson Potter and see what dress made the cover and the events that will follow with its release.
Many ideas have been suggested as to what the cover of the book might look like. If I think back to my first visual of this book, let alone its cover, it has changed so much from what I had originally thought. It has been an evolving process that has taught me that it important to explore all ideas. The original concept has morphed and grown in so many ways that I have outgrown my earlier ideas. What I have learned is that “simple” is best and that inspiration and ideas are often best when presented in a subtle manner. We all live in layered homes. Ones that are a mixture of ourselves, those in our lives and the journeys we have taken. There lies the beauty, in the details of our lives.
Some of our favorite spots on our journey were Shareen Vintage, Palace Costumes, American Rag, Warner Bros Cotume Dept, Walnut and Poshgirlvintage.com
After scouring Los Angeles and the internet for dresses we did finally find 3 candidates to shoot for our cover. In our search here are some of my favorite contenders that deserve honorable mention. Part of the puzzle for finding all the right elements was to be able to match the dress to a wallpaper sample. We wanted to show the relationship between fashion and home décor as simply and as beautifully as possible. To show you how it is all connected. That beyond color there are many other ways in which fashion influences our home décor style. From pattern to texture to details they can all be found in our closets and living rooms in a design that reflects our own unique style.
Setting up proved to be a styling challenge. Getting the dress to lay right on the mannequin. Trying to get the wallpaper as smooth as possible. No creases… hard to do. In the end our stylist Hannah, photographers Karyn Millet and assistant Bret Gum captured the perfect shot. Our cover was done.
It has been a great journey putting together the visuals for “The Well Dressed Home.” Thank you to all that helped make this possible. I look forward to the second half… getting the book on the shelf and sharing it with all of you. Look for my new book in September 2009 from Clarkson Potter and see what dress made the cover and the events that will follow with its release. Friday, February 6, 2009
Color of Love
I apologize for not having made an entry for over 2 months… I seemed to have gotten all caught up in the seasons and then the changes that have had me moving since the beginning of the 2009. We like many are in the process of re-evaluating and adjusting to a new economic climate. At first I was worried about all the bad financial news which seems to be the topic of conversation where ever you are. It has become sort of a collective mind set to focus on what is not working. But over time I have decided to embrace it as an opportunity to lean into the things that I really love. I am simplifying and taking time to enjoy the things I really love.
I love color and I love looking for inspiration in everyday life. Fashion, details and treasures often prove to be the starting point for my creative thoughts.
I still love to print new patterns. I love that when you print on fabric it can be transferred to any genre. I love wrapping a new floral around a pillow or stretching a stripe out for curtain panels. The flexibility of fabric is a wonderful thing when combined with color and space.
I recently began developing a new collection called the ANNETTE TATUM studio collection of fabrics for nursery and home. It will be available in March 2009 and I am very excited about it all. My inspiration for the line and color palette comes from a two year book project with Clarkson Potter that I have been working on due out in Fall 2009. I have finally found a connection that offers a constant stream of inspiration... Fashion.
Recently I have been preparing the final strike offs for the line... Here are some of the steps involved in bringing a line to market. Often times an idea has to be caressed into being… from inception to final print the process can be very exciting. You never know what it will really look like until it is done! There is an element of surprise every time. Color is a funny thing. You have to see it for real to appreciate it.
Recently I met up with a woman named Philippa Radon who has become my friend. Philippa is an extremely well trained and talented color specialist in which I have learned so much from in a very short time. She has opened my eyes to looking at color not only alone as a pigment but actually exploring the relationship that colors have to each other when placed in the same space. I have been practicing with her in my own home. Changing colors in rooms and hallways and even playing with wallpaper and prints in bathrooms. Look for my house transformation story coming soon! One of the fun new sources I have found was Walnut Wallpaper... check them out here.
Color of a Quote
“I invented my life by taking for granted that everything I did not like would have an opposite, which I would like.”
-Coco Chanel
I love color and I love looking for inspiration in everyday life. Fashion, details and treasures often prove to be the starting point for my creative thoughts.
I still love to print new patterns. I love that when you print on fabric it can be transferred to any genre. I love wrapping a new floral around a pillow or stretching a stripe out for curtain panels. The flexibility of fabric is a wonderful thing when combined with color and space.
I recently began developing a new collection called the ANNETTE TATUM studio collection of fabrics for nursery and home. It will be available in March 2009 and I am very excited about it all. My inspiration for the line and color palette comes from a two year book project with Clarkson Potter that I have been working on due out in Fall 2009. I have finally found a connection that offers a constant stream of inspiration... Fashion.
Recently I have been preparing the final strike offs for the line... Here are some of the steps involved in bringing a line to market. Often times an idea has to be caressed into being… from inception to final print the process can be very exciting. You never know what it will really look like until it is done! There is an element of surprise every time. Color is a funny thing. You have to see it for real to appreciate it.
Recently I met up with a woman named Philippa Radon who has become my friend. Philippa is an extremely well trained and talented color specialist in which I have learned so much from in a very short time. She has opened my eyes to looking at color not only alone as a pigment but actually exploring the relationship that colors have to each other when placed in the same space. I have been practicing with her in my own home. Changing colors in rooms and hallways and even playing with wallpaper and prints in bathrooms. Look for my house transformation story coming soon! One of the fun new sources I have found was Walnut Wallpaper... check them out here.
Color of a Quote
“I invented my life by taking for granted that everything I did not like would have an opposite, which I would like.”
-Coco Chanel
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
An inspired holiday!
It is the time of the year for nostalgia and feeling closer to home and family. I personally like to mix the old with the new and since I am such a vintage fan I found tons of antique ornaments, wreaths and recently snow globes. I think I could develop a new obsession for them. The colors of a vintage holiday against the tried and true red and green offer a lovely palette for holiday cheer. Well loved and slightly worn ornaments, when piled in a vase or basket, make a sweet centerpiece. The fun part is that no two are alike and they all have taken on some personality of their own. I know that I treasure my ornament collection and love pulling them out of the box every year, each a reminder of a memory or special occasion. Baby’s first Christmas, my son’s kindergarten wreath ornament made of tissue with his little face glued to the center. All remind me of how full and rich my life is.
Wreaths can be a fun way to add a creative welcome to any front door and the holiday season gives us all a reason to make our own. Each one can express your own unique personality for the holiday spirit. Whether you are a collector of antique ornaments or love nature, at its best, wreaths are a way of inviting those you love to enjoy your creative spirit. I love the ones that catch you by surprise when they are made of the unexpected, like paper cones and odd and eclectic assortments or treasures.
Snow globes can be the perfect way to capture a moment or special occasion. They are fun to collect as well as make. See how to make a snow globe here. My favorite ones are the ones you can collect when you are traveling. I think shelves filled with them can be so fun and interesting when lined on bookshelves or nooks.
Music boxes are so charming in that they almost capture, in a small box, a moment in time. Some play when opened, others need to be cranked or wound to make music. Either way they are a nostalgic way to enjoy the holidays. The decor on top of each box can also be inspiring. Old ice skating scenes or children in the snow offer a flash back to a simpler time. What better way to enjoy a gift of wonder and song.
The holiday spirit can be found everywhere and in the smallest spaces. Create a special moment in your home for your friends and family to enjoy.
Wreaths can be a fun way to add a creative welcome to any front door and the holiday season gives us all a reason to make our own. Each one can express your own unique personality for the holiday spirit. Whether you are a collector of antique ornaments or love nature, at its best, wreaths are a way of inviting those you love to enjoy your creative spirit. I love the ones that catch you by surprise when they are made of the unexpected, like paper cones and odd and eclectic assortments or treasures.
Snow globes can be the perfect way to capture a moment or special occasion. They are fun to collect as well as make. See how to make a snow globe here. My favorite ones are the ones you can collect when you are traveling. I think shelves filled with them can be so fun and interesting when lined on bookshelves or nooks.
Music boxes are so charming in that they almost capture, in a small box, a moment in time. Some play when opened, others need to be cranked or wound to make music. Either way they are a nostalgic way to enjoy the holidays. The decor on top of each box can also be inspiring. Old ice skating scenes or children in the snow offer a flash back to a simpler time. What better way to enjoy a gift of wonder and song.
The holiday spirit can be found everywhere and in the smallest spaces. Create a special moment in your home for your friends and family to enjoy.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Fall 2008
With the change of the seasons comes a freshness to the air and activities. Halloween signals the start of the festivities which continue on through Thanksgiving inviting family and friends to the crisp outdoors. I love this time of year as the leaves turn and summer inspiration turns towards cozier reflections and new color palettes. Gone are the yellows and brights of summer, replaced with the deep greens, autumn oranges, reds and navy.
Last week I had the opportunity to attend my daughter’s horse show at Will Rogers State Park. I could not stop photographing all the details and lovely colors of the equestrian spirit girls dressed up in English style. Ponies proudly prancing with ribbons adorned to their bridals. I could not help but be drawn to the plaids, the leathers and the details of equestrian style.
I found this great book that captures even more of the essence of equestrian style and how to use it in your home. Be sure to check out Equestrian Style by Vicky Moon.
The warmth of plaids and the many color combinations they come in are fantastic. They can be dressed up or down. From a simple horse blanket to a worn Pendleton shirt to the couture style of Ralph Lauren and Hermes. Plaids can be used everywhere from fashion to home accessories.
The details are what make the outfit when it comes to equestrian style. Worn and burnished leathers on bridals and saddles. Soft padding and well worn blanket pads. Fine crafted leather buckles and stirrups and crops all add to the adornment of English style riding. There is something special about the look. From the velvet blazer to the black velvet helmet… Everything is dressed up and elegant. It is one of the few sports where the fashion has been a consistent spark of inspiration for many designers through out time. Gucci belt buckles and Hermes scarves with horseshoe themes have become iconic.
With the arrival fall I often find this time to be one of reflection and turning within. The quiet of fall can be found in poetry and literature. I love these photos of girls enjoying a peaceful moment. It is quiet reflections like these that make us appreciate nature and its gift of change.
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
Our festivities this year started with Halloween and children decorating. It began with pumpkins and goblins for the windows followed by trick or treat dress up and candy. Every year we open up our store to local children to paint our windows and cookie decorate. It has become a welcome event for children and adults alike. We continue in this spirit with our Holiday Walk with Christmas cookie decorating and ornament making. An even enjoyed by young and old. There is nothing that makes one smile more than the sound of little faces excited to be creating.
Last week I had the opportunity to attend my daughter’s horse show at Will Rogers State Park. I could not stop photographing all the details and lovely colors of the equestrian spirit girls dressed up in English style. Ponies proudly prancing with ribbons adorned to their bridals. I could not help but be drawn to the plaids, the leathers and the details of equestrian style.
I found this great book that captures even more of the essence of equestrian style and how to use it in your home. Be sure to check out Equestrian Style by Vicky Moon.The warmth of plaids and the many color combinations they come in are fantastic. They can be dressed up or down. From a simple horse blanket to a worn Pendleton shirt to the couture style of Ralph Lauren and Hermes. Plaids can be used everywhere from fashion to home accessories.The details are what make the outfit when it comes to equestrian style. Worn and burnished leathers on bridals and saddles. Soft padding and well worn blanket pads. Fine crafted leather buckles and stirrups and crops all add to the adornment of English style riding. There is something special about the look. From the velvet blazer to the black velvet helmet… Everything is dressed up and elegant. It is one of the few sports where the fashion has been a consistent spark of inspiration for many designers through out time. Gucci belt buckles and Hermes scarves with horseshoe themes have become iconic.With the arrival fall I often find this time to be one of reflection and turning within. The quiet of fall can be found in poetry and literature. I love these photos of girls enjoying a peaceful moment. It is quiet reflections like these that make us appreciate nature and its gift of change.
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."-John Muir
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
New and exciting…
I am so excited to blog about our new line of licensed fabrics available from Free Spirit/ Westminster Fibers. After working on the line for the past 6 months they are now available. I tried to recreate our own look from house and added a little pop of color to our usual muted pastels. Raspberry, teal, lime, turquoise and chocolate are all part of the new palette. We recently had a photo shoot to capture some of the ideas you can do with these fabrics. Great for quilters, crafters and scrap booking fans. Enjoy the line and please send us photos of your creations!
Click onto the Free Spirit website here to find retailers of the house by Annette Tatum fabric line.
Always inspired by the creative people around me, meet the team that helped make all of this possible. My son Joe is always around. The day of the shoot he made a crown out of found leaves… he was “king of the forest.” Hannah is the other half of the creative force behind house. She is always coming up with unique ideas and uses for house fabrics. Melissa our newest member and photographer extraordinaire! Crystal and her dog (our mascot) Sailor, our out of town craft guru who can whip up everything cool and unique. Suzie, not pictured, our queen of opportunity. And me... Always good for making the bed!! 
Our final collection is made up of wonderful existing house prints that we have recolored and new prints inspired from fashion and vintage textiles. The result is a fabric line that you can mix and match various combinations of prints as well as color palettes... Pink and Green, Pink and Khaki, Blue and Green, Blue and Chocolate. Accent colors of Turquoise and Raspberry sprinkled throughout. 
Click onto the Free Spirit website here to find retailers of the house by Annette Tatum fabric line.
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