Painterly Peonies
Impressions of an exotic bouquet….
In the Studio: Dahlia Botanical Portrait
It has been busy period in the studio as I am now creating a new collection of paintings and mixed media collages. Recently, this robust pink dahlia became the subject of a botanical portrait to be painted in acrylic on canvas.
On My Bookshelf: The Natural World of Winnie the Pooh
For the legions of readers who were entranced by the playful pursuits of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh as they frolicked through the magical world of A. A. Milne, this book provides a delightful experience.
A Summer Garden Floral Arrangement
In late summer our garden is filled with robust blooms of pink dinner plate dahlias and carpet roses. They seem to thrive on even the hottest of days and are a joy to arrange and bring indoors. Fresh flowers always add such life to a room!
Color Story: Ocean Inspired
On these hot summer days, airy ocean colors have a distinct appeal. I find myself bringing soft whites, pale teals and blushing beiges into our decor to lighten the look for the season.
How to Make a Hydrangea Wreath
The midsummer heat is starting to fade the bright pinks and lavender hues of our hydrangeas to soft mauves and greens. This is when I usually cut the remaining blooms to bring inside to use for decorating.
Early Summer Peonies
Pink peony flowers are spectacular in early summer. I look forward to purchasing a bunch at the market to enjoy the large and showy blooms and their sweet floral scent.
The Changing Color of Hydrangeas
Hydrangea season is here at last and our side garden is now filled with glorious pink, purple and lavender blooms. Every year the plants get larger and now they are almost as tall as I am.
Spring Garden Floral Arrangements
Creating a spring garden floral arrangement using a mixture of homegrown and market flowers is a simple, inexpensive way to bring the spirit of the season into your home.
Bouquets to Art 2016
It is an annual treat to visit the de Young Museum's lovely Bouquets to Art show in San Francisco. During this weeklong event, select floral designers create magnificent interpretations of works from the de Young's permanent collection using flowers and other organic materials.
Sunshine on a Rainy Day: Daffodils and Ranunculus
Daffodils and ranunculus are in beautiful bloom now in the garden. Their soft lemon yellow and warm orange colors remind me of sunshine peeking through the clouds on a rainy spring day.
A Bunny Brunch Table
This spring I decided to host a brunch for friends and have styled a table filled with country garden flowers and bunny plates to welcome my guests. This is a very simple table to set up using home grown flowers and what dishes you have on hand.
Harvesting the Winter Garden
Spring is just around the corner now which means I have been harvesting the winter garden and preserving our citrus fruit to use throughout the summer.
On My Bookshelf: Exciting New Botanical Books for 2016
A Winter Camellia Arrangement
Camellias are one of winter's most stunning flowers and ours begin blooming in January. The earliest variety to welcome the new year usually is this soft pink Debutante Camellia.
Holiday Wishes...
During these last moments before the holiday celebrations begin, I'd like to express my gratitude to all of you for making The Gilded Bloom such a pleasure to create.
A Festive Fall Pumpkin Table
What a fun surprise! A few weeks ago I won a giveaway on Craftberry Bush for these festive cloth pumpkins. Last week they arrived in beautiful shades of copper and ivory from Timewashed, an Etsy store that features lovely handmade and vintage goods.
Pomegranate Harvest
It's that beautiful time of year again when the pomegranates begin to ripen and are ready for harvest. My husband brings out the tall ladder and climbs up to get them while I prepare the patio where they will sit in the sun a bit longer turning red before we distribute them to family and friends.
Boho Chic Dahlias
The glamour of Boho Chic style with its mixed prints and bright clashing colors has a certain appeal and visual interest that may be lacking in more conventional approaches to fashion and interior design.
Vintage Wine and Mulberry Hues: An Early Fall Table
This September table design marks the passage between the two seasons, reflecting the remnants of summer while welcoming the beauty of fall
Cafe au Lait Dahlia Arrangement
Hello again! It has been a busy time for me with many creative projects on the horizon, but I am happy to return to blogging and share some new floral photographs and styling tips with all of you...
The Joy of Painting Botanicals…
Learn about my creative process…