What You Put On Your Table Matters

While perusing the Design Style Guide website, I came across these lovely functional pieces, all just begging to accent your dining table.

This recycled champagne bottle cheese tray from BPR Designs catches the eye with its simple functionality and the weightiness of glass combined with soft curves.









The Secret Life of Saxofrage hand painted canvas table runner from Bliss Art for Life is an elegant french-inspired accent or centerpiece.












A set of four gorgeous quilted and appliqued tulip placemats from Quilts By Design herald the coming of summer.






A lovely set of 2 organic cotton napkins with contemporary print from Flying Needle Gallery.








This stunning cutting board from GT Cutting Boards is made from wormy maple and exotic padauk wood and finished with mineral oil. And, I imagine that anything you cut on it will taste that much better!

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Crunch Time!

In these dark economic times, isn't it nice to know there are still handmade home decor options out there that won't break the bank! Have a peak at these lovely items from Design Style Guide that are for sale for less than $20 a piece...

Add a little sweetness with this 4x6" original flower watercolor painting from Karen Faulkner Art - $15.



This wonderfully bright sunflower-inspired trivet from Annie K Designs can be used as a table runner, comes with 2 matching potholders - the set can be yours for just $12.99 - delicious!

Contemporary handmade salt and pepper shakers from Pat Parker's Stoneware Pottery are glazed in Pat's brand new espresso sunrise themed colors and fit perfectly in your hand at just $16 for the set.

It's a magical, gravity-defying wine rest made from stunning red heart wood from jn3 Hand Crafted Woodworks - a beautiful and functional accent piece at $16!


Gorgeous 16" square black and silver pillow cushion from TheHomeCentric, whose motto is: "Right Design with Right Quality at Right Price." At $16.80, I agree!

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OUR INTERVIEW WITH ABIGAIL

Foret Blanche Runner

This runner is something I’m in love with at the moment. A simple and stunningly elegant piece of vintage French linen with a line of unbleached muslin leaves. Honestly, this could take you from a breezy summer porch dinner to a winter wonderland family feast. So beautiful.

I just finished up a set of 12 matching place mats and one runner for a custom wedding gift. Keep an eye out for more designs and a new listing for the wedding gift set in my shop!

Who are you?
Abigail

Where are you located?
At my desk, for the moment, in seaside Kittery Maine.

What do you create?
Things I like, things I love. My ideas come from a simple aesthetic of living – to add more beauty to our lives, not clutter. And to reuse. I find old materials already have a character and a life that you have to wait years for with new materials. Most of my materials come from markets in France (where my other half is from) which I re imagine for a modern home.

Where do you sell your creations?

Gloaming Designs http://gloamingdesigns.etsy.com and some wonderful brick & mortars (you can find a list of them on my website http://gloamingdesigns.withtank.com

Tea Towel from Vacances Series

Where do you create?

Here in my home town.
Sewing in done in the house I grew up in and most all other creating is done in my own apartment.

What inspires you?
The natural world and light. And the exploding creativity you can find with just a few clicks on the web. (What was true when I was in art school is true on the web too – being around others who are creating does wonders for your own creative energy!) Oh, and the stories I see in each piece of vintage or reused materials.

Mer Grise Pillow

Is this your full-time job, part-time job or hobby?

Part-time job with full-time thought!

What role does creativity play in your marketing methods?

Without creativity you can never grab a customer’s attention.

What are your goals?

I want to keep on a track of making products that a useful, beautiful, and quality. I don’t want to just add more stuff to the world. I’d like to grow the company to become a larger design studio with a more evolved line of products. And keep up with my fine art at the same time!

How do you envision your creations being used by your customers?

Most of all, I hope my pieces are used and treasured. I don’t make pieces to be put on a shelf – I want them to be a part of your life!

Josephine - Lg Cosy Tea

For more information please visit:

Abigail's store: http://gloamingdesigns.etsy.com
Abigail's website: http://gloamingdesigns.withtank.com
Abigail's blog: http://gloamingdesigns.typepad.com

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