Archive for May, 2009

Hands to work and hearts to God

May 30, 2009

Put your hands to work and hearts to God is a doctrine of the Shaker society. The Shakers are a religious society which originated in England and settled in the United States in the State of New York in the late 1700′s.  They are known for a plain, simple and durable style of furniture.
The Shakers are known for their craftsmanship and for being builders.  Their credo, “do your work as though you had a thousand years to live and as if you were to die tomorrow”  explains the culture of their work.  Dedicated to hard work and perfection, they…

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful . . .

May 27, 2009

“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” these words were said by English designer and brainchild of the British Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris.
The Arts and Crafts movement was an aesthetic movement occurring in the late 19th century and early 20th century which was inspired by the writings of author John Ruskin in his book, The Seven Lamps of Architecture. The philosophy of the movement advocated hand fabrication of products in place of machine…

Nature’s Color Wheel

May 14, 2009

This is a color wheel I made to depict the color wheel through nature.…

Repetition in Design

May 13, 2009

Repetition is a principle of design which represents a rhythm wherein shapes, forms, lines, patterns, textures or colors are repeated in a congruous manner.

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The most important thing . . . a beautiful house

May 12, 2009

“If I were asked to say what at once is the most important production of art and the thing most longed for, I should answer a beautiful house.” Even though the father and inspiration of the Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris, spoke those words a century ago, they are certainly true today. In the present day, the business of home and interior design is thriving. There are more options in bathroom and kitchen design, flooring, furniture, lighting, paint, and textiles than ever before. The design industry information is ever-present in books, magazines, and newspapers, television and web sites. With…

Oh be Joyful for Toile de Jouy!

May 7, 2009

Toile de Jouy (pronounced twal duh zhwee) is a French term from the word “toile” which means cloth and “Jouy-en Josas” which is the name of a town in North Central France. Originating in the late 1700s in the French village of Jouy-en-Josas, the fabric depicts a pictorial scene in one color such as blue, green, red, or black on a white background. Depictions range from pastoral village scenes, historical narratives of life, landscape scenes, Oriental themes know as Chinoiserie incorporating human figures, buildings, birds, and plants and decorative plaques from the Renaissance period.
Today the textile known as Toile…