LIVING WITH FLOWERS

We bought a bunch of calla lilies yesterday for the weekend. They are so beautiful and simple. We put them in several of our Simple Vases from this years collection. We love the way the modern clean lines play against our more traditional decor.

-LizCallas in the entry of our Dallas home- literally dropped in a vase on the console. Nothing could be simpler.

Callas and Eucalyptus dropped into our "simple vases" in our studio entrance.

The simple vase collection- view at our website under vessels. http://www.jonesandjonesabode.com/

LIVING WITH FLOWERS

The trick to living with flowers is keeping a well stocked cabinet of versatile containers. These don't always need to be Baccarat crystal, they can be as simple as a recycled jelly jar (Bonne Maman jelly and Maille mustard are the best for size and shape- they're yummy too) juice bottles, cups and glasses, or even pitchers like the two Liz used this week for iris and tulips in our kitchen. The key is to keep it simple.

Rather than making an elaborate mixed arrangement Liz put a bundle of tulips in the smaller pitcher and two bundles of iris in the larger pitcher. She then grouped the pitchers together with cake plates loaded with lemons.

The grouping is a cheery hint of spring that greets us every morning.

LIVING WITH FLOWERS

"if I had but three loaves of bread, I would sell one and by hyacinths"

-the Koran

Nothing sums up the way I feel about flowers more than this beautiful quote from the Koran. Living with flowers is all about feeding our souls. Liz and I will forgo a lot of luxuries for one of the simplest, but most profound luxuries there is- a vase full of blooms. Europeans have long cherished flowers and used them in their daily lives in a way few Americans do. A trip to the green grocer, the butcher, the fromageries, would not be complete without a stop at the neighborhood flower stand.

These days flowers are more available to American consumers than ever before, and at affordable prices. We often stop at Tom Thumb or Central Market just for flowers to brighten up our abode.

I'll be updating the blog over the next few days with suggestions on living with flowers.

-Robert

WELCOME TO OUR HUMBLE ABODE

Thank you to all of the great new customers we met in Dallas and Atlanta. We had exceptional shows thanks to the support of our phenomenal rep groups. It was a pleasure meeting and talking to all of you.

We had a lot of comments on the rustic backdrop we used in the Dallas showroom. For those of you interested in replicating the look here are the steps.

1. We applied rough sawn cedar fencing to the walls. The planks were various sizes of 1 x 4 and 1 x 6 applied in random pattern.
   
2. We painted the paneling with Benjamin Moore Carolina Gull - in satin finish-allowing it to dry completely
   
3. Next we mixed one part Benjamin Moore Icicle in flat finish with four parts of water to create a wash
   
4. Using a brush we generously applied wash to the painted cedar starting at the base of each board and painting upward to the top allowing the wash to drip naturally over the base paint. The effect is a weathered grey barn wood appearance.

It's that simple and took a few hours one afternoon. Be careful to protect floors with drop cloths and absorbant rags to catch puddles.

IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEW COLLECTION

Robert is putting finishing touches on the new line. It will be available to ship March 1, 2009. The line features garden inspired iron, galvanized metal, and wire. Our look is vintage but modern. We also have a variety of holiday ornaments that will be available for delivery September 15, 2009. We love outdoor living and much of our line is influenced by what we like for ourselves and the way we live. Nothing fussy for us, we like things relaxed and easy-the Texas way. Kids, dogs, flowers, music and the simple life are what inspire us.

Liz and I working from our design studio at home in Dallas. We've put together a collection of home decor products that we sell wholesale through Donald McEvoy Ltd. in Dallas, Texas and The Good Ship in Atlanta, Georgia. Join us as we grow our company and share our experiences and ideas for how to live well and comfortably.