Inspiration :: Urban Gardening

Home & Kitchen

Want a garden but don't have much of a green thumb?  Live in a big city with no yard?  Or have a yard but it doesn't get much sun for plants to thrive?  As a long time resident of Los Angeles where private outdoor spaces at home are difficult to come by, I know the feeling.  Lately I have been experimenting with an indoor water garden (ie. growing plants in water instead of soil) for a fun and decorative alternative to an outdoor garden.  I love plants and the root systems that develop look very cool in water, especially when you choose an artistic clear glass vessel with an interesting shape.  Although people have been doing this for decades, there is a great sense of satisfaction when a plant cutting successfully roots and begins to grow.  Furthermore, it is an economical way to maintain a garden without any fuss and increase your plant collection for little to no cost.  You can use recycled glass from home such as empty bottles, beakers, mason jars and even light bulbs.  Some plants are easier than others to grow in water and most thrive in a warm environment without direct sunlight.  Spider plants and Pothos vines are quite possibly some of the easiest plants to take care of that readily root in a glass of water.  You can also experiment with succulents, certain flower bulbs and edible plants such as mint or basil.  Here are some DIY fun and creative ideas to decorate your home and bring a little bit of the green outdoors inside! 

 

Urban Loft, DTLA

Urban Loft, DTLA

Mint in Recycled Milk Bottle, Calla Lilies, Dried Lavender, Dried Spray Rose, Cumin Seeds, Square Glass Vases

Mint in Recycled Milk Bottle, Calla Lilies, Dried Lavender, Dried Spray Rose, Cumin Seeds, Square Glass Vases

Anthurium Plant Clippings, Creative Grass Loops, Grass Drinking Jars, Decorative Candle Holder

Anthurium Plant Clippings, Creative Grass Loops, Grass Drinking Jars, Decorative Candle Holder

Paperwhite Bulbs

Paperwhite Bulbs

Paperwhite Root System in Water and Glass Vase

Paperwhite Root System in Water and Glass Vase

Spathiphyllum and Root System in Water and Glass Wall Vase

Spathiphyllum and Root System in Water and Glass Wall Vase

Phalaenopsis Orchids, Hanging Glass Balls, Water, Rocks and Fish

Phalaenopsis Orchids, Hanging Glass Balls, Water, Rocks and Fish

Bamboo Plant and Root System in Water and Glass Wine Decanter

Bamboo Plant and Root System in Water and Glass Wine Decanter

Inspiration :: Summer Crafting

Homemade wreaths

There's something warm and cozy about sipping tea, chatting with good friends and crafting. Last fall I was inspired by a serious of wreath-making workshops I taught, so much so that I continued the endeavor well into the summer.  It doesn't have to be the fall or winter, or when the holidays are fast approaching to hang a wreath on your door.  Yes, it is an American tradition to do so at that time, even for me.  It brings back fond memories of my childhood, family and classic "hominess." But now a days I have been exploring year-round wreath options that can accent your home inside or out during any season.  It has been a lot of fun!  There is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment when you complete your wreath, especially knowing that it will last a heck of a lot longer than fresh flowers (although we of course love those too)!!  Furthermore, there's something special about both the act of giving a homemade gift and receiving one, or even making a present for yourself.  The thoughtfulness, time and effort alone mean the world, not to mention you are reminded of those qualities every time you see it in your home.  What's not to like?  The design possibilities are endless and there is always room for another wreath somewhere, right!?  

Grapevine, Eucalyptus, Succulents, Nigella Pods

Grapevine, Eucalyptus, Succulents, Nigella Pods

Grapevine, Spanish Moss, Dried Strawflowers, Dried Yellow Buttons

Grapevine, Spanish Moss, Dried Strawflowers, Dried Yellow Buttons

Japanese Magnolia Branches, Blue Thistle, Eucalyptus, Moss, Airplants and Crystals

Japanese Magnolia Branches, Blue Thistle, Eucalyptus, Moss, Airplants and Crystals

Crystal, Blue Thistle, Moss, Small Airplants

Crystal, Blue Thistle, Moss, Small Airplants

Large Airplant

Large Airplant

(Clockwise From Top) Red Pepper Berries, Dried Bay Leaves, Grapevine

(Clockwise From Top) Red Pepper Berries, Dried Bay Leaves, Grapevine

Grapevine, Dried Strawflowers, Dried Lotus Pods, Privet Berry

Grapevine, Dried Strawflowers, Dried Lotus Pods, Privet Berry

Design Inspiration :: Alice In Wonderland

The Queen of hearts

Every so often I get to push my creativity beyond the norm and really challenge myself to think outside the box.  That just happened when a client and good friend of mine asked me to design flowers for her Alice In Wonderland themed event.  I immediately got excited.  Thoughts of the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, Caterpillar and the Red Queen began swirling throughout my head and I began to write...  "Dancing playing cards... moving like caterpillars... cards exploding out of red floral bouquets?  Submerged props underwater or inside the vases... playful yet contrived... magical cards floating through the air in dark, moody lighting," and the list went on.  I was so excited thinking about the design possibilities that I couldn't sleep.  I had a burning passion to create and get my hands working on this.  Ultimately, I got up and went to routing through my storage unit for playing cards at 1 o'clock in the morning.  It is moments like these that I am reminded of how much I love my job and the artistic path I have chosen in life.

Venue Space: The Mission

Photography: Chazz Gold Photography

Red Alstromeria, Red Roses, Submerged Red Tulips, Black Rocks, Hand-Wired Playing Cars

Red Alstromeria, Red Roses, Submerged Red Tulips, Black Rocks, Hand-Wired Playing Cars

Queen of Hearts 11.jpg
Submerged Playing Cards, Floating Red Roses, Chess Board

Submerged Playing Cards, Floating Red Roses, Chess Board

Alice in Wonderland2.jpg
Queen of Hearts5.JPG
Alice in Wonderland .JPG

Dream. Create. Inspire.

Stay tuned for more...