1987Party Pieces was born the same year as my son James, 1987. After spending 3 years working for British Airways in Jordan, we decided it was time to return to the UK for Catherine’s schooling. 1989My first big break was when we started to insert our flyers within the product distribution of Red House Book Club. 1993Child’s Court Farm in Yattendon was essentially a group of dilapidated barns, cattle and grain sheds when we first moved here, but as the business has grown we have taken on and renovated more buildings. 2017From the small beginnings in my garden shed, we now employ more than 40 people and are able to send out 4,000 orders a week in busy times. It is still very much a family business today, and over the years all my children have played a huge part in it from modelling for the catalogue to developing new categories for the brand. James established our personalised cakes, Catherine started the 1st birthday side of the business, and Pippa developed the Party Pieces blog. They grew up with me working and appreciate the demands of a busy business and a working mum, and although now they are not involved day to day in the business, I still value their ideas and opinions. It’s been a hardworking 30 years but I’ve loved every minute of it and would like to thank all the wonderful people I’ve met along the way, and all the dedicated staff who have helped me achieve this.
The post The Story So Far appeared first on Party Pieces Blog & Inspiration. from https://blog.partypieces.co.uk/caroles-thoughts/the-story-so-far/
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This week we’re super excited to share a gorgeous and girly christening from Rita at Life at Belgrove. Here’s what Rita has to say about her daughter’s christening. I’m so excited to finally share with you some of the details from our little girl’s christening! A bit of background…Having had our son’s christening in a hotel we decided, due to it being summer, why not hold it at home? We have plenty of space outside and with it being July surely we’d get a dry day! Unfortunately, in classic Northern Irish weather style it absolutely pelted down the day before..so we decided to take everything inside and not risk the fact it might also rain the day of the event. Now let me explain how we decorated! Usually, with a christening, people go for a white theme but I decided to jazz it up and used the bits and pieces belonging to the Ditsy Floral range . Girly, sassy and fun, exactly what Sadies personality has been so far! Using the pinwheels and bunting, we decorated little areas throughout the kitchen, hall and living room-the pieces were perfect for setting the scene. Everyone was raving about the decorations and said we should keep them up full time…though the husband disagreed! On the dessert table, we used the sequin table runner and the inflatable letters to tie it all together! Alongside that, I got the super cute selection of paper plates and cups for the party! I think you’ll agree, they look fab! During the day…the sun came out so we got to use of the white floral petal backdrop which was after a great backdrop for some family snaps!! A great addition to an outdoor party! All in all a successful day and Sadie was none the wiser on #raingate! Thanks for reading Rita The post Real Party: Gorgeous & Girly Christening appeared first on Party Pieces Blog & Inspiration. from https://blog.partypieces.co.uk/real-parties/real-party-gorgeous-girly-christening/ Because kitchens are the place where we spend the most time, they’re the most important space in a home. The cabinets and fixtures need to withstand daily use and a lot of wear and tear, and the design should stand the test of time. Because of this, most people opt for neutrals when designing their kitchen: white and wood, gray and white, etc. A few years ago I chose a blue gray color for cabinets in a kitchen renovation and I’ve never regretted it. I like to see all shades of blue in kitchens (and bathrooms) and in the past year, we’re seeing more blue hues in kitchens, especially navy. To follow are a collection of modern kitchens incorporating forever classic blue kitchen cabinets. This model home kitchen built by Cedarglen Homes is done in navy blue, the appliances are stainless steel but note the touches of brass throughout. More images here.
This is a beautiful mid tone slate blue in a kitchen designed by Brooke Wagner, the natural wood tones look especially good with this blue hue, as does the black hardware. More images here.
Will Taylor opted for a deep navy on his custom cabinets for his beach house kitchen, find the full tour here.
I’m crazy about this deep moody blue cabinets and the coordinating herringbone tile backsplash, isn’t it stunning? Kitchen design by Jenn Feldman, color unknown, more images here.
Province Blue by Benjamin Moore appears on these cabinets in a kitchen used in partnership with Kohler products, image from Benjamin Moore.
Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue is featured on these kitchen cabinets, design by The White Arrow, more images here.
A rich deep blue appears on these cabinets in a kitchen designed by Jean Stoffer, the brass pulls look amazing with navy. I don’t know the color, but you’ll find the full kitchen tour here.
These cabinets are Philipsburg Blue by Benjamin Moore, a classic slate blue color, design by Buckenmeyer Architecture, full kitchen tour here.
If you don’t want to commit to all blue cabinets, consider a shade of blue on just the island or the lower cabinets. I love the Providence Blue by Benjamin Moore that Sarah from Life on Virginia Street painted her island. Gorgeous! Tour the full kitchen here.
What are your thoughts on blue kitchen cabinets, would you choose them for a kitchen? . from https://centsationalstyle.com/2018/08/forever-classic-blue-kitchen-cabinets/ I hope you’re all enjoying these last days of summer vacation, my kids are back in school this week and I’m so happy they’re returning, they’ve been so lazy lately and need structure! Yesterday I made more progress on my DIY desk project, and today I’m taking planning on doing a little wine tasting in the afternoon at one of my favorite places to taste sparkling wine. I haven’t been in months and the weather is so warm. Since the air quality has improved (we’ve had more wildfires across the state), I’m looking forward to a relaxing day in wine country. Favorite links…
There are so many elegant details in the Kendra Scott office tour. Pricey but pretty! GE’s new matte white appliances. Hooray for this sweet and simple unisex neutral nursery. Isn’t this the most creative paper wall installation? How to make a barn door with a modern look. 100 life skills everyone should know. How Instagram Stories has altered the way we live. The joys of female friendship. Fellow Californians: check out these trips to plan in autumn. Things to do in your free time that are more enriching than Netflix. .
Architectural detail on the wall adds an additional layer of definition to any space, I’ve always been a fan. The white shiplaped wall has taken over the world in the past few years, it seems every home tour has it somewhere. I’m a fan of planked walls, I too have done my own DIY white shiplap installation below a wallpaper treatment in my powder bathroom. When I see a shiplap wall, I like the clean white look and the subtle stripe effect that comes from the stacked raised paneling. It provides a pleasing backdrop for layering furniture, art, and decor.
But for those of you who feel the shiplap look is becoming as ubiquitous as subway tile, today I offer a few alternatives to consider. White WainscotArchitectural details on a wall go by different names depending on the look: planking, board and batten, picture frame molding, beadboard, tongue and groove, and millwork. Custom or prefabricated work is always an option but basic designs are easy to DIY. If you’re a fan of white walls but seek something other than shiplap, consider the following looks:
Painted Geometric PanelingThe geometric grid installation is growing in popularity for good reason with classic square or rectangle shapes created with strips of wood. It looks especially good when painted in tone on tone colors.
Wood PanelingReclaimed, weathered, whitewashed, stained or natural, there are limitless opportunities to add texture with wood tones.
via behance
Modern InstallationsThink outside the box by using lattice strips or dimensional wall paneling to create one of a kind designs.
You might also like: . from https://centsationalstyle.com/2018/08/alternatives-to-white-shiplap/ Baby Showers are always lots of fun to style as they are always such happy occasions with cute decor so when I saw the ‘Oh Baby’ range from Party Pieces I knew it would be perfect for hosting a little get together for three of my friends who are all expecting babies this summer! I love creating little spaces in my garden when entertaining in the summer months and have a little chandelier that looks super pretty hanging from an arch or tree and I tied the lovely gold Baby Shower bunting next to it with a bench and a little table for all the cute Baby Shower photo props and it made the perfect little area for getting some fun pics! I also dotted around some of the gold confetti Oh Baby balloons in this area for a fun look and they looked very pretty in the glorious sunshine. Planning something outdoors in this country is always a bit of a risk with the unpredictable weather so I was delighted that it turned out to be such a lovely day! I have an old kitchen table which I keep in my garage and use for summer entertaining so I used it with a pink tablecloth and floral Laura Ashley table runner and set the table using the gorgeous Oh Baby paper plates and napkins along with some pink paper cups and added some fresh flowers as table decor for a summery look. And no party is complete without some pretty cupcakes of course and the Oh Baby cake toppers and some pretty edible flowers made them perfect for this occasion! For party favours I used the cutest miniature domed cake stands with a chocolate in each one and I have to say they were completely adorable and everyone loved them! The advice cards were also great fun and perfect for getting everyone chatting and laughing about how everyone always loves to give an expectant mummy some advice wanted or otherwise! I’m now planning another little get together once all three little bundles of joy have arrived so I’ll keep you all posted with that! Louise The post Real Party: Summer Baby Shower appeared first on Party Pieces Blog & Inspiration. from https://blog.partypieces.co.uk/occasions/baby-shower-occasions/real-party-summer-baby-shower/ Last month I had the pleasure of interviewing a local tile maker and witnessing how he turns clay into handmade works of art. Forrest Lesch-Middelton is an artist and educator who has a studio in my hometown – he discovered pottery at 14 and a few years ago started making architectural tile for private homes and businesses. Forrest was kind enough to take the time to demonstrate his process, and how he transforms a lump of clay into beautiful bespoke tiles.
Forrest welcomed me into his studio with a smile, holding a coffee cup he crafted himself. As I looked around his studio admiring his work, we spoke of travel and the inspiration behind his pottery and tile patterns.
Forrest’s patterns draw upon motifs from ancient civilizations but also incorporate modern geometric designs with lovely repetition and flow. He walked me through the process of how he makes the bespoke tiles. Patterns come from a screenprinting process which begins by illustrating the design on a computer, forming a repeat pattern (this is Iznik), then transferring it to a screen using a photo sensitive emulsion and printed negative.
Forrest starts with specialty clay that is extruded into ribbons using a pugmill.
Strips of clay are laid together in a workspace, then painted with slip (liquid clay).
A screenprinted sheet is transferred to the clay with precision, then peeled back to reveal the pattern beneath, now freshly affixed to the strips of clay.
Forrest lines up the screen printed transfer so that each tile is registered the same.
He then uses a rubber rib to transfer the image from the paper to the clay.
Imperfection is to be expected in this process, each tile has subtle variation but it’s why these handmade tiles have so much appeal.
Now that the pattern is transferred, the strips are brought to the roller cutter which is then set precisely to trim each tile to the correct width.
Once cut, the tiles are left on drywall to dry for a few days, sanded, and then fired in the on-site kiln which reaches temperatures of 2300 degrees. After being fired the tile are sanded again to remove any burrs and blemishes.
Making handmade tile is a time consuming process but renders the most beautiful handmade work. This was one of the patterns on display when I entered the workshop, the Shenandoah pattern custom made and soon to be shipped to a client.
Forrest produces a lot of high contrast earth tone palettes, however tile patterns are available in a variety of colors.
Forrest created a technique dubbed “volumetric image transfer” where he transfers screenprinted pattern and imagery onto the surfaces of his pots while they are still wet and being thrown on the wheel, requiring him to shape the vessels from the inside, so as to not disturb the pattern. See more of this technique revealed by visiting his online pottery shop.
Forrest also demonstrated for me the most inventive process of using sound waves and sand to create shapes on translucent tiles, he used this process to create an entire collection of tiles, hence the name Soundwaves Collection.
One of my favorite things in life is interviewing a creative who is passionate about what they do. I am always amazed watching artists in their hands on process, and it was such a delight getting to know Forrest and observing his work up close. Here’s the Alborz pattern installed on a wall. Isn’t it stunning?!
Read more about Forrest’s expertise, accolades, and experience by visiting his website. Find more images of tile you can custom order in his tile portfolio. Be sure to follow FLM Ceramics on Instagram for updates and inspiration! . from https://centsationalstyle.com/2018/08/making-tile-with-flm-ceramics/ This is your store’s blog. You can use it to talk about new product launches, experiences, tips or other news you want your customers to read about. You can check out Shopify’s ecommerce blog for inspiration and advice for your own store and for your store’s blog. How do I remove this post? from Otomo - Blog https://www.otomo.co.uk/blogs/news/first-post from https://otomouk.tumblr.com/post/176671017258 Top Ten List of Summer Pearl Choices This article outlines the top ten list of summer pearl choices. Our picks cut across pearl necklaces, pendants, bracelets and rings. Whichever one you decide to go for, you will never go wrong with these. They are as quality as they come and well worth the laborious efforts involved in making them. 1. Three Strand Round Necklace
from Otomo - Blog https://www.otomo.co.uk/blogs/news/top-ten-list-of-summer-pearl-choices from https://otomouk.tumblr.com/post/176671017093 Using rugs not only make your interiors feel much more comfortable but also does a great job to enhance the décor. You can choose from a number of different types of rugs and create any type of look you want. You will be amazed at the way it modifies your interior. There are ways in which you could make the space feel bigger, highlight some specific areas of the room, the furniture and more. When you are buying a rug, always make it a point to consider the space where you want to put it in. If you are looking for a rug for busy areas such as the kitchen or the hall, you will need something in a more durable material. If it is your bedroom, you can use rich textures that feel soft and cozy under your foot. Rugs look the best when they are placed in accordance with the size of the room. The ones that extend to the entrances not only create obstructions but also look rather untidy. Furthermore, they also increase your chances of tripping and falling over. Where can you use rugs around the house?If you are looking to upgrade your interiors in an affordable way, then rugs are one of the easiest ways to do it. They add just the right amount of comfort and warmth to your interiors while also protecting the floor. Furthermore, by planning the layout in an effective manner, you can also divide the space, thereby adding more definition to the room. Given below are the different areas around the house where you can add rugs and create an instant wow factor. LoungeThe lounge is one of the most common places to put in a rug. The right choice of the rug can lend a very relaxing air to the space. The choice of rugs also determines the ambiance of the room. For example, if you want to create a cozy feel, you can add deep piles, wools, and shaggy textures. These materials feel very soft under your feet and make you feel as if you are sinking in. You can further beautify the space by adding furniture that complements the carpet. HallThe hall or the landing is another strategic place where you can add a carpet. This can make the entrance feel a lot more welcoming. Oftentimes, hallways and landings tend to be the most neglected area of the house. However, by paying just a little attention, you can bring these spaces alive. The type of rugs you use in the hallways will also, to some degree, determine the ambiance of the house. So, make sure you select the rugs appropriately. It also important to get them in the right cut and size or the space can end up looking untended. BedroomThe bedroom is where you walk barefoot a lot. Therefore, it is one of the best places to put in a rug. Options such as deep pile rugs, shaggy textures are the best for bedrooms. They will also add a lot more warmth to the room, especially during the cold months. You will not have to dread walking on the chilly floor as soon as you get out of the bed. ConservatoryConservatories do not always come to your mind when you think of adding rugs to your interior. However, there are also rugs available for outdoor use such as patios and conservatories. These are relatively easier to clean and do a great job of beautifying the setting. You can pick interesting prints and colors so as to add more warmth to the space. KitchenYou may not be very positive about the prospects of adding a rug to your kitchen. It is the one place that stays moist half the time. In addition to that, there is always a chance of dropping crumbs and food items. However, you should note that kitchen is also the place where you spend a good amount of time. Therefore, it would not really hurt to upgrade this area. You can choose fabric that are easier to maintain and clean, for example, synthetic fabrics with short piles. Rug DesignsOne of the best things about rugs is that you can choose from an amazingly large number of choices. Each type of rug will lend a different atmosphere to the room. When it comes to the design, there are mainly two categories – the traditional and the modern. Traditional Rugs Most often, traditional rugs come in very intricate patterns and rich shades. These rugs are highly detailed and immediately give an antique feel to the room. The inspiration for traditional rugs is usually taken from oriental and Persian styles. These rugs can feel very luxurious, especially when added to the parlors. They never go out of style. Instead, they have a timeless appeal and can easily suit any modern house. Traditional Persian rugs usually have patterns such as flowers and delicate motifs, together with a border in contrasting colors. In any case, they are very delicate to look at. Oriental rugs, too, come in rich colors such as green, deep red, beige, cream, neutral, and so on. If placed correctly, the rug can add a great amount of sophistication and can itself act as the centerpiece of attention in the room. At the same time, they also protect your flooring, especially if it is made out of wood. Modern Rugs Modern Rugs are those that feature abstract shapes, floral patterns, bold designs, stripes, geometric patterns and so on. They are available in plenty of different designs and textures. These rugs also offer a wider scope when it comes to colors. You can either go for downright bold ones or choose from the minimalist patterns, depending on the type of look you want to create. You can also play it safe by choosing monochromes in neutral colors. This will also make it easier for you to play around with the décor. Modern Rugs can grace any décor. However, they are more suited for homes styled in a contemporary theme. They are also a great way of adding vibrancy and fresh look to traditionally styled houses. The other benefit of using modern rugs is that they are much more versatile as compared to the traditional rugs. Whether it is the stripes, swirls, intricate patterns or monoblocks, you are always covered. Rug MaterialsRugs are available in a variety of materials, synthetic as well as natural. The material used determines the feel, softness, durability, ease of maintenance as well as the pricing. Given below are the different materials used in making rugs. Wool Woolen rugs are very soft and luxurious. They also have a high resistance to wear and tear and retain their original shape for a very long period of time. They are available in both natural as well as matte finish. Woolen rugs are naturally more appealing than the synthetic ones. They also help in maintaining humidity and temperature inside the room. They absorb moisture from the air, thereby keeping the room from getting too humid. If there is any pressure mark left from the furniture, they disappear completely when moistened. There are even subcategories within the woolen carpets depending on the type of wool used. The most common ones are those made from the wool of Alpacas, Mohairs, and Angoras. However, those made with Argentine and New Zealand wool are considered to be the best. It is always more advisable to go for high-quality wool as these last for a considerable period of time. However, it should also be noted that woolen rugs also require a lot of tending. They are much more difficult to maintain as compared to other materials. Silk The manufacturing process of silk rugs requires a lot of careful handling. Therefore, they tend to be much more expensive as compared to the other types of rugs. They were first produced in China, as early as 27th century BC. Due to their natural luster, silk rugs look highly elegant and luxurious. At the same time, they also feel very soft. Silk rugs are also quite strong and last for a very long period time without losing vibrancy of color or shape. The other benefit is that these rugs are resistant to fungus, mold, and mildew. They are also well suited for people with allergies. As silk is highly expensive, it is often blended with other fabric such as wool. Cotton Rugs Cotton rugs are much cheaper as compared to both silk and wool. Therefore, they are also the most commonly used ones. They do not shed like wool and also need a lot less maintenance. However, they do not offer an equal amount of lasting. Cotton rugs can also be machine washed, which makes them easy to maintain. Furthermore, they are highly versatile and can be used in a number of different places including the living spaces, kitchens, lounge or just about anywhere. Other natural fibers You can also find rugs in other natural fibers such as sisal, jute, seagrass, and bamboo. These fibers are mostly available in braid design and flatweave. They are eco-friendly as well as affordable. Due to their texture, they also feel very smooth under your feet. Synthetic materials The most commonly used synthetics for rugs include polyester, nylon, acrylic, polypropylene, and viscose. These are most appropriate to be used in high traffic areas or the areas that generally remain damp. These rugs as water resistant, stain resistant, highly durable and also very easy to clean. WeavesThe weave used in the rug determines how it feels under your feet and also how long it is going to last. Given below are the different types of weaves used in rugs. Hand-knotted Hand-knotted rugs are made in looms and have yarn columns that are also known as the warps. You may also have tufts tied around the warps so as to create a deeper pile. These types of rugs very labor-intensive and can take more than a year to get completed. As a result, they are also very expensive. However, these rugs are highly durable and can last for generations. Tufted These rugs have a fabric base into which yarns are pushed so as to create tufts. These tufts are kept in place by using glue. As a result, they have a very dense surface and plush texture. Hooked and Tufted Rugs are made using the same procedure, except that in hooked rugs, the yarns are left long. Braided Rugs Braided Rugs are made using a number of different braid techniques such as flat braid, banded braid, cloth braid and yarn braid construct. These are very thick and also feel very luxurious. Most often, braided rugs are made of 100% wool. Flat woven In these rugs, the yarns are very tight so that the resulting structure is flat and free from knots. These rugs are also reversible and are best suited to wooden floors. Machine made Rugs Machine made rugs may be the most popular as they are made in power looms and have a very fast production period. Such rugs usually come in elaborate patterns, reasonable quality, and affordable prices. SizeThe correct size for the rug is determined by the dimension of the room as well as the furniture arrangement. If you do not want the rug to cover the entire floor, you can place them in the center of the room. If you want to place it under furniture such as coffee table, make sure that all the four legs rest on the rug. The purpose of a rug is to make your space look more tailored and neat. So always make sure that you get the measurements right. ConclusionA rug can do a lot in determining the comfort and feel of your house. However, you should also make sure that you are taking care of it the right way. Get a vacuum cleaner or a carpet sweeper for easier maintenance. Also, make sure that you are well informed about the proper care and maintenance for the rug. If required, use an underlay to elongate the lifespan of the carpet. from Otomo - Blog https://www.otomo.co.uk/blogs/news/rugs from https://otomouk.tumblr.com/post/176671016908 |
About MeHi I am Albin Adamski from Brynrefail, I am 32 years old. I always surf web for buying antiques for home decoration. Archives
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