Fashion meets Interiors series: featuring style blogger Lan Vo

It may be cold and icy outside, but I have a warm and sunny Fashion meets Interiors feature for you today! Today style blogger Lan Vo of The Lan Line dazzles us with a chic, pastel-inspired outfit & photoshoot based on the vibrant interior design shown below. I really love how it all came together! Read on as style blogger Lan shares her inspiration behind this fabulous outfit:

Hey Y’all! My name is Lan Vo and I am so excited to be featured on Jacquin’s blog series! I am the creative director of the fashion and lifestyle blog, The Lan Line, where I display my versatile style and lover-of-life attitude!

GoodHomes via Design Milk, photo by Maxwell Attenborough

The space I chose is full of pastels and fun colors! Although it is winter, and these colors don’t really go with the season, I still was drawn to the room and how fun it would be to be in it.

I’ve chosen this room because I felt that it matched my bubbly personality. Pastels in interiors are not very common and that is why I love this space. I love trying styles that are not common and going out of my comfort zone.

When I looked at the interior design inspiration, the room reminded me of this particular dress' fun floral embroidered details. Additionally, the dress' shade of blue complemented the room perfectly! I also love the yellow couch and how it adds a pop of color and pattern to the room without overdoing it. It’s so smooth, yet edgy and that’s how I feel about my dress and the details of it.

Of course blush is a perfect pastel shade that can be worn in any season, so naturally I had to add it to my ensemble. I wore my blush statement earrings to accent the pastel blue tones. I think the simplicity in my combination of pastels, makes a big impact in the overall appearance itself, just as pastels do in an interior space. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

1. Floral Lace Applique Fluted Sleeve Striped Smock Dress - SHEIN ($34)

2. 'Ginger' beaded earrings in Cotton Candy color - Lisi Lerch ($98)

3. Gladiator block heel shoes - TANDRA ($69.95)

4. Gucci purse

Facebook: www.facebook.com/InteriorsbyJacquin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacquinMH

Instragram: www.instagram.com/jacquinmh

Artist Spotlight: Fine Art Jewelry & Metal Work by Kat Cole

One of the more exciting parts of my job at Interiors by Jacquin is having the opportunity to meet so many talented artists and designers. My recent studio visit at the home of artist Kat Cole has not only re-invigorated me, but also inspired me to bring you more behind the scenes artist interviews.

You will love the work of Kat Cole. She is a fine art jewelry designer and metalsmith creating work that uniquely mirrors the built environment. You will notice inspiration from industrial surroundings blended with Cole's colorful aesthetic. 

An enjoyable time chatting with contemporary jewelry artist Kat Cole in her plant filled home. 

'Boundary Lines Loop' necklace, steel, 2017. Kat Cole.

Kat Cole is currently a full-time studio artist based in Dallas, TX and is the co-founder of Jewelry Edition. She has been a presenter at Yuma Symposium and Craft Boston, she teaches workshops nationally and has exhibited internationally. You can watch our inspirational, on-camera interview at the end of this post. 

'Built #2' necklace, steel. 2016. Kat Cole.

(Left) 'Boundary Lines Shadow' necklace, steel, enamel. 2017. Kat Cole. 

(Right) 'Urban Color #2' necklace, steel, enamel. Kat Cole.

After admiring Kat Cole's jewelry design, we turned our attention to her amazing indoor garden!

Her one-of-a-kind work is sold online and in stores at Jewelry Edition as well as other retailers. You can find a full list of Kat Cole's jewelry retailers here. I look forward to adding Kat Cole's creations to my jewelry collection in the future! 

Kat Cole's stunning broaches were my favorite! I loved the originality, colors, and movement of the metal. (Above: 'Urban Color #1' broach, steel, enamel, 2017. Kat Cole.)

'Old Well' broach, steel, enamel, found object, rubber 2015, Kat Cole.

I had a lovely time chatting with contemporary metal artist Kat Cole in her plant filled home recently. It is always a bonus when you make a fabulous artist friend at the end of an interview! Follow Kat Cole on Instagram for further contemporary art inspiration.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/InteriorsbyJacquin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacquinMH

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jacquinmh

Entertaining with Style: Paper Ave parties with paper flowers!

It has been too long since our last Entertaining with Style feature! I am so glad to have more hosting and party inspiration for you, especially as we approach the holidays. Today creative business woman Donna Tran of Paper Ave shows us how she decorated her most recent party, a 2 year business anniversary celebration! Paper Ave is a company that sells artistically created crepe paper flowers as well as hosts fun flower making workshops. Here is a peek at her recent event. 

My name is Donna Tran-Corona and I am the artist and owner of Paper Ave, a business that specializes in colorful and cheerful handmade crepe paper flowers.  The business was officially established in October of 2015 as a side-hustle and after getting married and moving to Huntington Beach a year later, I decided to pursue the life of a creative entrepreneur full-time and what a ride it has been!

When my friend Deanna from Smoke and Brine Co. Warehouse reached out to me to teach a workshop at her new venue, we decided that it would be a ton of fun to celebrate Paper Ave's second birthday there by hosting a celebratory workshop to mark the occasion. Here's how I planned this exciting event!

Having a design background has really helped me be comfortable in working with colors and I definitely wanted to use bright colors to create a fun, colorful and festive environment. Our guests included long time college friends, new friends who I have met from past workshops (this was their 3rd one with me for a few of them!) and a few vendors who have been such a crucial support within my business. 

Each attendee at the Paper Ave workshop was provided with their own kit that included the templates, crepe paper, floral wire, vase, moss and additional supplies. Our paper flower kits are always packaged with a labor of love to make opening each kit an enjoyable experience on its own.

For party decor, a colorful bouquet with various handmade paper flowers including peonies, roses, dahlias, and little wildflowers were used as centerpieces, paired with white vases to allow the colorful flowers to pop. Custom cookies inspired by the workshop were made by Jennifer Tee based out in Irvine, CA and they were the cutest keepsake for everyone (almost too pretty to eat!).

What's a birthday party without some delicious bites and drinks along the way?  Deanna from Smoke & Brine. Co provided the most beautiful and colorful platter filled with various cheeses, fruits, and nuts and it was a perfect match with our DIY mimosa station (champagne, sparkling cider, orange juice and some fresh blueberries and raspberries). 

Loren of Four Things Paper provided the 'Gather and Graze' calligraphy signage as a beautiful backdrop for the food and drinks area. Some fresh florals and a number 2 gold balloon were used to celebrate the occasion as well. I also paired live greenery with my colorful paper flower hoops, which made a great backdrop for people to gather in front of for photos. This party was so much fun to put together and a great way to celebrate 2 years for Paper Ave!

Here are my top 10 tips for your next festive celebration:

1.  Don't be afraid to use colors!  Colors have always been an inspiration for me and I just think it can be used to create a fun, festive and happy environment!  There are many places to bring in color, from the centerpieces, decorations and food to name a few!

2. Simplicity goes a long way.  It also makes it easier for yourself, and cleaning up afterward as well!

3. Have a DIY drink station so people can control how much alcohol they'd like in their drink.  Also provide non-alcoholic alternatives.

4. When working with a colorful set of flowers for a centerpiece, use a contrasting lighter vase so that the flowers can really pop.  Wooden slabs can be used to help create levels for the various centerpieces.

5. Create name cards for guests so that groups can be seated together.

6. Decorative paper plates help provide a nice pop of color and makes clean-up a cinch as well.

7. Adding a touch of greenery by each setting makes a great decorative detail!

8. Grazing platters allow attendees to have something to nibble on throughout the event and party.  

9. Have a fun backdrop so guests have a place to take photos at. You can even assign a unique hashtag for social media so you can use it to look back on photos that your guests take!

10. Provide a fun and unique keepsake that guests can bring home with them.

Interested in having your next event or dinner party featured in our Entertaining with Style series? If so, email me with details of your event!

Paper Flowers: Paper Ave // Venue: Smoke & Brine Co. Warehouse // Grazing Platter: Smoke & Brine Co. // Calligraphy: Four Things Paper // Photography: Rachael Smith Photography // Custom Cookies: Jennifer Tee // Paper Plates: Harlow and Grey (purchased from Happily Ever Etched)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/InteriorsbyJacquin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacquinMH

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jacquinmh

The perks of decorating with a neutral palette + color!

When decorating a home with a neutral color palette, every color introduced just seems to POP against neutral cream and white shades. This recent Atlanta Homes home tour features only one or two rich colors in each room leaving the rest of the palette neutral. I am loving the effect of this limited use of bold colors in this space. I take notice of every design element even more so than if this room was filled with bright colors. You can see a preview of this elegant home tour below designed by Kay Douglass Interiors. Truly an elegant use of color in limited doses. Expertly designed! 

Head over to the Atlanta Homes website to see the full home tour!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/InteriorsbyJacquin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacquinMH

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jacquinmh

Interview with Global Weaving Artist Susana Negre

Tapestry weaving by Susana Negre shown in the home of Jacquin Headen. Artwork shown by Marcus Jolly.

Our Artist Spotlight today showcases weaving & textile artist Susana Negre who has sought creative inspiration across the globe, from her hometown of Barcelona, to London, Mexico, and all the way to Brazil. Susana’s goal is to blend old world techniques with new ideas to create something never seen before. She describes her work as non-traditional tapestry weaving.

Weaving artist Susana Negre of Barcelona. 

Jacquin: What attracted you to weaving as an artform?

Susana: Although I am now focused on my true passions of art and textiles, previously I worked internationally as an event/art producer. I discovered weaving in 2013, however, I think my attraction to the textiles medium began much earlier in my life. I went to Teraninya School in Barcelona where I was introduced the fascinating world of textiles. 

Through conducting weaving workshops, I decided to specialize in the artform full time. Negre textile art is inspired by art, fashion, design, architecture, interiors, culture, travel, photography, cinema and the great value of hand-making and crafting.

Jacquin: How has living in Rio de Janeiro inspired your work up to this point?

Susana: The creativity of the people, the colors of the sea, and the tropical rainforests of beautiful Rio de Janeiro have had a huge impact on me! Location and scenery have always affected my artwork. It is difficult to explain why I feel the need to travel for inspiration when my hometown of Barcelona is such a creative and beautiful city. Experiencing new cities allows me to gain fresh inspiration. I have recently relocated back to Barcelona where I am pursing my masters degree focusing on weaving & textiles. 

Susana Negre volunteers in Rio de Janeiro as she teaches a weaving workshop. 

Jacquin: Have you had the opportunity to introduce your local community to weaving in some way? What has been the best part about getting into the community with your weaving art form?

Susana: Yes! While I was living in Rio de Janeiro last year I had the opportunity to work as a volunteer for a NGO called PIPA SOCIAL run by Helena Rocha. It is a creative hub for talented people, mainly women who live in low-income communities in Rio de Janeiro, with a focus on establishing professional connections and promoting social inclusion.

Their mission is to invest in a Talent Bank of entrepreneurs working in the fields of art, crafts and fashion, helping them achieve professional qualifications, improving their ability to find work and generate income, and providing exclusive consultancy services.

My job as a volunteer was teaching tapestry weaving & creative knowledge to the beautiful and talented craftswomen, designers and artisans who were interested in learning tapestry techniques. We met once a week where we collectively created a small collection of different items such small handbags, scarves, and miniature tapestries for home decorating, We used the traditional tapestry techniques to develop their crafting and design skills, then allowing them to apply their own unique style. We had a goal to help them to generate new products and income for themselves through sales. It was truly a privilege for me to be able to share my time and knowledge with everyone.

“It's something about the colors and textures in textiles that inspires me. It is almost like I didn’t choose textiles, but instead I think it chose me.” -Susana Negre

Jacquin: Tell us about your process creating a tapestry weaving. 

Susana: My working process is very intuitive. In fact, I have never drawn my weaving designs in advance. I refrain from thinking, and allow my creativity to find its way. However, I do have a very clear idea of the materials, textures and colors I want to use before starting a weaving. My designs are heavily textured with vivid colors. Most notably, my textiles are always handwoven, combining traditional handcrafted techniques of knotting and weaving. 

The interpretation of my work I leave up to the viewer. There is a different quality of something that is hand crafted rather than machine made. My work is still emerging, and I want to keep pushing myself to create something unusual. In some senses, my work is growing with me. In terms of the process, it is difficult to say how long it takes. It can take me from just one day to up to 6 month to create a large piece; it always depends on the size of the work and the time I have to weave.

Jacquin: Are there any weaving projects that you are eager to try in the future?

Susana: I would love to get involved in an international project, working with local textile artists worldwide. I would also like to continue doing social projects worldwide. 

Learn more about Susana Negre and her artwork here. 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/InteriorsbyJacquin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacquinMH

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jacquinmh

Touring the Dallas Decorators Showhouse... and it's bold!

I had the pleasure of attending the Dallas Decorator's Showhouse's PRESS Preview last week and I was beyond impressed! This year's showhouse was located in Southlake, TX and sponsored by Donna Moss and Traditional Home magazine. The designs showcased here are truly bold. I also had the pleasure to interview designer Scot Meacham Wood. Watch the video below to see this luxurious show home!

Video production & editing - Stephanie Alleva-Cornell

I loved the range of styles present at the Dallas Decorators Showhouse! The home transitioned seamlessly from the bold entryway with graphic wall paper (shown above), to the more traditional spaces like the bedroom below, which you'll note still features fun patterns. The upholstery choices were all so unique. Definitely a lot of inspiration to consider. 

Artwork by Lindsay Cowles

As far as the details are concerned, the Dallas Decorators Showhouse designers certainly didn't miss any opportunities to make a big statement. I was truly elated by this staircase nook, which featured bold stairwells, bold chandeliers, and even bolder wallpaper. Just another illustration proving that sometimes more, really is more!

The outdoor space at the Dallas Decorators Showhouse was just as impressive as the interior. The outside decor was colorful and lush with a lot of surprising elements. Did you catch the butterfly patterned fabric on the outdoor curtains? And below you'll see an oversized butterfly and branch installation that you really have to see for yourself to believe. Check it out  below! 

Besides the luxurious pool, my favorite design element in the outdoor space was the colorful tablescape. There were multi-colored glass place settings with pressed flowers inside the glass. Truly unique. Sadly I wasn't able to learn who designs these amazing plates. Any one know? If so, write in below. I'd be so thankful to be able to buy a set of these unique plates for myself!

Photography credit: Stephanie Alleva-Cornell

Learn more about the Dallas Decorators Showhouse and the designers who teamed up to decorate this luxurious space at the website here. A portion of the proceeds from the public home tours and gala event went toward supporting the Alzheimer's Association. Looking forward to next year's event!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/InteriorsbyJacquin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacquinMH

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jacquinmh