January 2018 YHH Mag

January 2018
FARMHOUSE
Kitchen Tour
DIY
THE PERFECT
POT RACK
at home with
John Colaneri
AMERICA’S MOST DESPERATE KITCHENS

features
departm ents
At Home with John Colaneri
Valentine’s Day Gifts
The Hype Over Handmade
New Year’s Reflections on
Growing Up
Health & Beauty
Hello Gorgeous!
Design and Decor
Shop the Look!
Farmhouse Kitchen Tour
Fashion and Accessories
Your Handmade Wedding
Family
Littles’ Lifestyle
Artisan Spotlight
An Eye for Design
In the Kitchen
Kitchen Essentials
DIY
How to Decorate a Tiered Tray
Easy Peasy Roman Shades
The Perfect Pot Rack
Your Handmade Home
Magazine
Christy Winfrey
Publisher, Editor In Chief
Creative Director/Editor
Jane Makransky
Special Projects Graphic Designer
Vanessa Offerman
Feature Writers
Andrea Anderson
Rebecca Tellyer
Nicole Boyle
Jane Makransky
Molly Maloney
John Colaneri
America’s Most
Desperate Kitchens
ON THE COVER
Photo Courtesy of
John Colaneri
Farmhouse Kitchen Tour
DIY Pot Rack

Letter From
the Editor
The new year brings us a chance
for rebirth and renewal; a
chance to start over. Lifestyle
changes, career changes, pursuing
passions. Be grateful
for the things you have, instead
of concentrating on the
things you don’t. So much of
life is attitude. Stay firm in
your faith, and know that the
roads that you travel, good
or bad, all hold an important
lesson. May your 2018
be filled with peace and love,
passion and joy, thankfulness
and humility.
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
Christy
Christy Winfrey
Editor in Chief
Instagram @christylynwinfrey
@yourhandmadehome

The Hype
Over Handmade:
The Impact of How You Shop
on Your Community by Rebecca Tellyer

Why are handmade products more expensive, and what’s with all the
hype surrounding artisans? Why are consumers willing to pay more for
handmade items?
I get this question a lot, especially when working vendor shows.
Sometimes the question is asked with tact, sometimes... not so much. Regardless
of how it’s asked, it’s a legitimate question. So go grab a cup of coffee,
for I’m about to explain why. This is going to be a good one!
Handmade = fair trade, fair labor
Believe it or not, a real person makes or helps to make everything you own.
Your shoes are made by someone. Your coffee is made by someone. Your
jeans are made by someone (or at least someone running machinery that
makes the item as part of a mass production assembly line).
So, who makes it? Cheaper items are typically made overseas, where inflation
and a lower cost of living allows companies to pay lower wages. Ethical
companies pay a fair wage to their workers, which meets or exceeds a
living wage. There are several organizations that independently evaluate
and award companies the right to mark their goods with a fair trade logo.
According to the World Fair Trade Organization, fair trade has impact beyond
trade itself:
• It proves that greater justice in world trade is possible.
• It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional
trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first.
• It is a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty, climate change
and economic crisis.
Some companies do not engage in fair trade. They pay a wage that is low,
unlivable, or unfair to the worker, taking advantage of scarcity of work and
living conditions in developing countries. These savings are passed on to
the consumer with a lower retail price; however, the workers pay for the
difference.
When you purchase handmade, there is complete transparency regarding
the maker. You can have a conversation with the artisan, crafter, seamstress,
or designer. You know exactly where your money is going. Because
many artisans we purchase from live in industrialized countries, wages are
higher. The cost of labor is built into the price of the item, resulting in a
higher price.
Handmade = typically more environmental friendly
Unlike mass produced items that travel from a manufacturer to a distribution
center, to a retail location, and finally to a consumer, many small
handmade businesses eliminate steps in the retail chain. Handmade items
are often created locally and shipped
directly to the consumer by the maker,
thereby reducing carbon footprint.
Take, for example, Colleen Liberman’s
small business, Designing Elementary,
which creates reusable snack bags. Her
items ship directly from her studio to
the purchaser, eliminating shipping to a
distribution center and retail location.
The impact of her sales goes even further,
as she dedicates a portion of her
No ants are getting into this picnic. These
snack bags are shipped directly from the
artisan’s studio, reducing the item's carbon
footprint. Photo credit: Colleen Liberman
profits to help fund classroom projects. “These reusable food bags are not
only much cuter than a plastic sandwich bag, but eco friendly [since they]
reduce the amount of plastic that enters this world,” she shares.

So, as in the case of Designing Elementary, you can spend money with a
conscience by purchasing a reusable bag with a small carbon footprint,
made by a small business owner, who donates a portion of profits to help
ing children. It’s a win-win-win for all involved.
Handmade = better quality than a box store
Handmade items are typically made by
artisans who have perfected their craft over
years, decades, or even generations. Items
are made in small batches, rather than mass
produced, allowing for greater quality control
and attention to detail. Some artisans
use lengthier and more complex processes
to create their items, which yield a higher
quality product. Handmade durable goods
typically last longer, due to higher quality.
This equates to less money spent to replace poorer quality items, as well as
less waste for our planet.
My husband’s habit of abusing his wallets is a good example of this. He
used to go through a wallet every 10-12 months. These were wallets that he
purchased from big box or department stores. For our five year anniversary,
I splurged and gave him a handcrafted wallet that I purchased from
Popov Wallet, a small business run by an artisan from British Columbia.
I was able to personalize the wallet by embossing his initials on the front.
Although it cost about three times what I would spend in a retail
store, it has been worth every penny. A year and a half later, it shows no
signs of wear, and we are far from having to replace it. So while the cost
may be higher up front, we are making an investment in quality, longevity,
and in a young artisan who is raising a small family.
And that segues to....
Soft Soled Shoes from Berry Bug Shop
Handmade = fairness in the distribution of wealth
I don’t know about you, but I like to know where my money goes. When I
shop at local businesses, I know my money goes to helping individuals in
my community.
When you purchase from an artisan, the money goes directly to that artisan.
Many times, you have direct interaction with the person who is creating
the item you are buying. Purchasing from large retail stores can dehumanize
the process, as the maker is frequently anonymous and distant.
Don’t get me wrong- - some mass produced items are awesome, and come
from wonderful companies with terrific backstories and ethos. However,
some corporations simply return profits to the pockets of their shareholders,
leaving lower level workers with minimum wages and no profit share.
The rich grow richer, the poor stay on as such.
So it’s important to research the companies from whom you make purchases
-- know where your money goes.
Handmade = knowledge that the item you are purchasing was
made with care and quality as a
priority
Have you ever seen the quote, “Handmade
with Love?” It’s so true. Care,
attention to detail, and respect for the
craft goes into every handmade product.
You cannot get that from a mass
produced item. An example of this
comes from Stephanie Shevelkin of
Shevelkin Designs.
Shevelkin splits her time between mass coffee
consumption, building her business, creating
new designs, and raising an adorable
daughter. Photo credit: Stephanie Shevelkin

Stephanie sews “eco-friendly and eco-efficient” creations, and crochets using
her own patterns, a time-consuming process, yielding high quality results.
The finished product contains more than just quality materials, though.
Shevelkin remarks, “All of my items are handmade with my two hands and
lots of love... I want you to love and enjoy my creations as much as I have
making them for you.”
Handmade = supporting someone from your community, as well
as small businesses
Small business truly is the backbone and heartbeat of America.
When you choose to purchase items from your community, you are making
a positive impact. Your money stays in the community, helping it to
flourish and grow.
Vanessa Offerman, a graphic designer, creates every design in her shop.
She prides herself on “one on one custom design and assistance with printing
preferences and ideas.”
Her business is BASH Paper
Boutique, and while not
handmade in a traditional
sense, Vanessa’s work highly
personalized and created
solely by her. Her business
allows her to be a work-athome
mother who balances
her business, homework, and
being present for her children.
Vanessa’s designs make memories.
Photo credit: BASH Paper Boutique
Because many artisans are self-employed or own small businesses, they appreciate
and savor each and every sale. They are also in tight competition
with larger stores that have greater resources, so many artisans offer exceptional
customer service to compete.
For example, Scents of the Northwest
offers special perks to all customers.
Jessica McDaniel, owner and founder,
explains, “I offer 10% off every reorder
and free local delivery so my customers
don’t have to pay shipping, because
let’s face it- candles get heavy!”
Handmade = supporting age old traditions
If it weren’t for artisans, many traditional methods for crafting wares would
be phased out and disappear completely, due to the rise of machinery and
assembly lines. Hand thrown pottery, paper jewelry, book binding, blown
glass, blacksmithing, and wool spinning would all potentially lose their
place in our culture.
I strongly believe that art and beauty have
intrinsic value in our lives. While a thin
plastic mask could be purchased for only
a few dollars, this oversized rhino mask,
created by artist Kerry Logan through her
business, By the Creek Creations, is an
amazing work of art. She is able to sustain
her craft through patronage of others who
also value her work. We all benefit from
the peculiarity of her work- it provokes
thought, wonder, and inspiration.
With Scents of the Northwest handmade candles,
customers know the exact ingredients in
each candle. McDaniel also boasts a longer,
cleaner burn. Photo credit: Jessica McDaniel
Photo credit: Kerry Logan

DIY
Handmade = unique, in a mass produced world
There is no better way to get unique or personalized items than through a
handmade artisan. Michelle Hutchins of Breast Friends Connect (a shop
owned by breast cancer survivors who dedicate a portion of their profits to
breast cancer research) specializes this very concept. “My products are one
of a kind in that they are personalized for each person.”
She continues, “I made this pillow for the mom of a little boy with red hair
who tells her son she loves him to the moon and back every night before
tucking him in. I have
another that was made for the mom of
a 20-year-old who’s mom always told
her kids the same thing. I made it with
her favorite dress color from her childhood.
You can’t get that from a box
store!”
Handmade is the way to stand out
from the crowd. It’s a legitimate way to
support arts, culture, and traditions.
Shopping handmade supports local
business, and strengthens communities.
So do your thing-- shop local,
shop small and shop handmade!
Photo Credit: Michelle Hutchins
Easy Peasy
Rebecca Tellyer is the author of the yuppiesthippie.com. She also co-owner of the CPSC Certified Berry Bug
Shop with her friend Melissa Kayte, teaches music to babies and toddlers, and performs in a bluegrass band
throughout New England. She lives in Massachusetts and spends most of her time making pancakes and cracking
jokes with her two young children, husband, and beloved Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever named Loki.
Roman shades
by Molly Maloney

I’ve been eyeing up these beauties from Pottery Barn for weeks:
However, they run around $209-$300 and even if I did have that
kind of disposable income, I don’t know if I could bring myself to
pay that much for a window shade. So I did some searching and
found some amazing roman shade hacks on Pinterest and decided
to give it a go. A few clever individuals in the DIY world have even
found a way to convert their old mini blinds into roman shades…
pretty impressive. I didn’t really want to invest that much time
into this project, so I decided to just go ahead and buy a plain white
roman shade to start with.
I ended up going with the shade shown above from JCPenney’s because
it was in stock in the size I needed. However, if the cordless
version had been available in my size, I would have spent the extra
$5-$10 bucks to upgrade. But alas, I am impatient, and the cord is
easy to hide.

Supply list:
* No sew Stitch Witch/heat bond
* Iron
* Scissors
* Ribbon of your choice (I found mine
at Walmart and used 2 rolls)
Place your no-sew heat bond under your ribbon and grab your
iron. I found it was easier to iron the adhesive in smaller sections
instead of one large strip. I folded the corners to get a crisp clean
look.
And that’s pretty much it folks! Super easy, super cheap, and super
beautiful! You can’t beat it. Here is the finished product.
First, lay your shade out flat.
Next, cut your ribbon to size using the shade to measure. If you want to get
technical you could use a measuring tape. I just eye-balled it!

Follow us on
Instagram
by Vanessa Offerman
@yourhandmadehome
for a chance to be featured in
Your Handmade Home

HEALTH & BEAUTY
Hello Gorgeous!
Our monthly collection
of health and beauty must-haves!
This handcrafted natural facial soap
bar is made with almond oil and cocoa
butter, along with French green clay,
activated charcoal and tea tree essential
oil. Available from Nature Nurture
Soap.
This long lasting, handmade cream absorbs
quickly and leaves skin SO soft! You
will never want to use store bought creams
again! Packed with cocoa butter and argan
oil, it goes on smooth without greasiness.
Available from Skyline Soapworks.

Are you feeling achy from working out? Are
you feeling stressed or overworked? Muscle
relief massage oil from The Chocolate Chicken.
has soothing properties and is great for
sore or overexerted muscles associated with
working out or everyday activities.
Fun cupcake bath bombs are just the thing
you need after a less than stellar day. These
bath bombs come in five delicious scents
and will leave your skin feeling luxurious!
From Naturalle Solutions.
Cupcake Soap on a Rope is a soft nylon bath
pouf embedded into a scented glycerin soap.
No need for a separate washcloth or shower
pouf -- just reach for your soap pouf! Your
soap will produce an abundance of bubbles
while exfoliating and stimulating your skin.
From Willowberry Farmhouse.

DIY
The
PERFECT
Pot Rack
by Andrea Anderson

We did a partial update of our kitchen a couple of years ago, and left some
projects on the back burner. So,we still had a few things to take care of before
we officially declared the kitchen “done.” Since we actually lost some
storage space with the redo, one thing that we needed was a place to store
our pots and pans. I knew wanted a pot rack of some sort, but was looking
for something cost-effective and unique. Pinterest to the rescue!
I found an idea on Pinterest for repurposing an old ladder as a pot rack.
Luckily, we had an old ladder -- it was either free or dirt cheap…I can’t remember
exactly because we’d had it that long! The only thing it really needed
for this transformation was to be cut to the size we wanted, varnished,
and hung from the ceiling. This last part was the tricky part.
Since we have an almost century old home with aging plaster ceilings, my
husband wanted to be confident
that the ladder could be hung
securely without falling down or
causing the plaster to crumble.
His solution was to secure two
parallel pieces of wood to the
ceiling (painting them to match
the ceiling color) and make sure
they were firmly in the joists.
That way, when he bolted the
hooks for the ladder in place, he
knew the ladder would be secured
into a pieces of wood and
not just some plaster and thin
lathe. It worked perfectly!
Originally, I envisioned using S hooks for the pot storage itself. However,
my husband used sturdy J bolts instead (the same kind he used for hanging
the ladder). I actually preferred this solution since the S hooks probably
would have slid back and forth as we tried to hang the pots or retrieve
them from the rack.
I love the way this project turned out! Not only does the ladder pot rack
free up storage space in our cabinets, but it goes beautifully with the rustic
style of our home. It was also an inexpensive solution (I think the entire
project cost us less than $20!) and filled in the dead space above the stove.
If you would like to make your own ladder pot rack and don’t have a ladder
that you can repurpose, try getting one for free. Facebook market groups
or Craigslist are all great resources. With a little ingenuity and a few supplies,
you too can create one of a kind pot rack for your kitchen with loads
of character!
Andrea Anderson lives with her husband, four children and their hamster, S’mores, in a
near-century-old home in Cleveland, Ohio. As chief recipe creator and author of wildberrypress.
com, her plant-based food blog, she’s constantly putting her kitchen through its paces. She also
is passionate about renovating homes with integrity and helping women kiss their sugar crush

1
FASHION
3. Pearl Cluster Necklace
Mack and Jane
4. Pearl and Silver Bracelet
Mulka Arts
5. Bridesmaid Tote -
Charming Chace
3
4
5
6
6. Bridesmaid Thank You Bangle
JKCE Designs
7. Personalized Hangers
Georgia Yankee Designs
8. Monogrammed Glittered Converse
Sweet Creations by Lee
9. Vintage Look Necklace
Jennuwine Design
10. Pearl Bridal Necklace
Petunia’s Pretty Pieces
8
7
11. Wedding Program Basket
Freebern Shells
12. Monogrammed Shoe Bag
Karen Faye & Co.
9
10
13. Vintage Flower Crown
Gilli’s Flowers
12
14. Police Line Garter
Creative Garters
15. Personalized Candle Favors
Suzee’s Candle Co. 13
11
16. Traditional Lace Garter
Leonora B
2
1. This is Us wood sign
Rustic Northern
17. Bridal Shower Invitation
Bash Paper Boutique
16
2. Longitude Latitude Sign
TCB Designs FL
1
14
15
17

New Years Reflections
on Growing Up
by Jane Makransky

In the earlyish years of my growing up, when I was young and foolish,
New Years was defined by parties and champagne and boyfriends’ kisses
at midnight. Expectations were high. It was romance and celebration all
rolled into one special night, and tied with a sparkly ribbon. I didn’t have
much time for reflection. I was too busy feeling good.
Now, decades later, when I’ve grown up a bit more, it seems that all I can
do is reflect. But it makes sense because there’s a lot more to reflect on.
After all, so much has happened since those fanciful New Year’s Eve celebrations.
I got married. Had a child. Raised a child. Made friends. Lost
friends. Lost family. Got sick. Got well. Good times. Bad times. If you say
it quickly it doesn’t seem like much. But it was. Almost a lifetime. And it
makes me think. A lot.
I think a lot about the past. I think about how beautiful the weather was on
the day I got married. Seventy degrees in October, with a backdrop of gorgeous
autumn colors. I
think about my child’s
struggle with the multiplication
tables and
how we bounced a basketball
back and forth
in his effort to memorize
them (something
about learning in motion
as I recall). I think
about his pizza delivery
business at age 7 and
how that (and his other
multitude of kid businesses)
laid the foundation for his success today. I think about the years I
was ill and scared and pretty cranky and miserable and how my husband
just walked through the fire with me, no complaints, just support.
And I think about the future. I think about my hopes for my son and his
wife and my (fingers crossed) future grandchildren. I think about traveling
with my husband to far away places since we are notorious for never taking
vacations anywhere of any sort. I think about my friends who have been by
my side through thick and thin and hope they will continue to honor me
with their friendship forever. And I hope that those who aren’t as lucky as I
am find better times, good health and warm companionship this year.
I think a lot about what I’m grateful for. The list is long. Funny how that
happens. And I think that might mean I’m almost grown up. I’m grateful
for the love of my family and friends and their good health and good values;
I’m grateful for my warm house and food on the table (even if it’s takeout
sometimes); I’m grateful for my good fortune to live in a country where
I can speak my mind and be secure in my beliefs. And I’m grateful for my
dog. Sometimes. When she’s good.
It’s clear, at least to me, that growing
up takes a lifetime. As the New Year
arrives, I’m pretty happy with being
almost grown up. I’m still growing,
for sure, but I’m getting there. We’ll
see what growth spurts the new year
brings.
Jane
Jane Makransky is the Creative Director/Editor of Your Handmade Home Magazine. She is
also the Owner/Designer of Mack and Jane Jewelry, a former fashion commentator, and retired
attorney.

at home
with John Colaneri
Photos Courtesy of John Colaneri

You know John Colaneri from HGTV’s Kitchen Cousins, and most recently,
from America’s Most Desperate Kitchens. You’ve probably also spotted
him on the Rachael Ray Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. But what
you may not know is that John’s design career started when he began working
for his family’s business. After graduating from Penn State in 2003,
John decided to work for his family’s business, Brunelleschi Construction,
as a project manager. That decision paid off.
One day a friend thought it would be fun if she could film John and his
cousin, Anthony Carillo, while they worked on a job. Using her cell phone
camera, the friend
filmed the cousins and
then called a couple
of random production
companies. One person
she spoke with just
happened to be roommates
with the Vice
President of the DIY
network. They loved
what she captured, and
asked if they could send
out a professional crew
to follow John and Anthony
as they worked.
And the rest is history.
John on the set of America’s Most Desperate Kitchens
with cousin Anthony Carrillo
“
"I believe that things happen for a reason, and I truly believe that this
was supposed to happen for us,”" said John, "and “it’s a lot of fun!”"
John, his wife, Jennifer, and their daughter, Lilyan, live in Hoboken, New
Jersey in a modern farmhouse that was built to their specifications. Jennifer
wanted a place for horses and a home with a modern farmhouse look, and
John made it happen! There is plenty of room in their open-concept home
to host family dinners and holidays, and their design styles are similar, so
decorating their home was an easy task. “Sometimes I bring home something
[Jennifer] doesn’t know about, but fortunately, she likes my design
style, so I don’t get in too much trouble with her!”

It’s hard not to notice the
gorgeous farmhouse table
that stands front and center
in the family’s dining area.
John used full-cut white oak
to make the amazing farm
table. The wood is over 100
years old, and came from an
old brownstone that was being
renovated. There is plenty
of room for family and
friends to gather around, as
well as some extra seating in
the breakfast area.
The kitchen is full of hidden
appliances, for a sleek, finished
look, A massive gas range provides
plenty of room for cooking
large family meals, and
seating for five is available at
the breakfast bar. Pops of red
from the range and the breakfast
bar area provide a great
color vibe.

One of the most unique features in the Colaneri home is the massive cupola
in the center of the home. “It illuminates at night, so as you drive down
the road, it gives you this top of the barn look”, John remarked. The cupola
also adds a modern farmhouse touch to the high vaulted beamed ceilings. “
The living room is bright, yet cozy. The
two-sided barnwood corner fireplace
provides a beautiful focal point, and the
entertainment center is filled with family
pictures and momentos.

The master bedroom is cozy, with an angled wood feature behind the bed,
and nightstand lamps made of bent rebar that cast beautiful light and shadows
across the room. The lamps were a wedding gift to the couple from
cousin Anthony.
Another enviable
room is the master
bathroom. Lined
with lava rock and
wood, it is a sight to
behold. “It has a spa
feeling to it”, says
John.

Two sets of thirteen foot
wide folding glass doors
separate the main living
area from the outdoor
living area. They also
supply an abundance of
light to the home.
Outside, John and Jennifer have plenty of room for
entertaining as well. A large outdoor kitchen, complete
with a refrigerator, grill and smoker, complements
the dining table, which is large enough for family and
friends.
Outside, John and Jennifer have plenty of room for entertaining
as well. A large outdoor kitchen, complete with
a refrigerator, grill and smoker, complements the outdoor
dining table, which is large enough for family and
friends.

The outside of the home itself was designed to look like it was built years ago. Stacked stone around the bottom of the house and garage are reminiscent of the
materials that would have been used to build a barn house in the original period. Ipe wood was used for the garage. John chose it for its durability and resistance
to decay. He wanted the garage to resemble a carriage house, so the garage doors are carriage style, complete with long hinges and handles. “We wanted to make
that modern farmhouse look that [Jennifer] wanted come to life.” We think they have done just that.
Besides John’s family and the show, he and Anthony also have a children’s book coming out in 2018 called “What Can You Do with a Toolbox/”. John is really
excited about this next adventure as well. “Anthony and I are both characters in the book.” he said.
After speaking with John, it’s clear that he is both kind and genuine. We wish the Colaneris a new year filled with peace, love., and lots of new design adventures.
Christy

DESIGN & DECOR
Shop this Look
This cozy neutral bedroom is elegant and classic!
We’ll help you shop this look from Pier 1 Imports.
Bella II Upholstered Headboard
Mirrored White Nightstand
Serena Crystal Table Lamp
Woven Sitting Deer

IN THE KITCHEN
6
Kitchen Essentials
1. This soft Valentine-themed embroidered
kitchen towel from Breast Friends
Connect is festive and functional!
5
2. Start your morning with a foxy coffee
cup from Lumisa Design!
1
3
4
3. Keep your storage stylish with an adorable
plastic bag dispenser from Country
Cutie Bag Dolls.
4. Ladybird Lane has done it again with
this upcycled towel rack made from repurposed
teapot lids!
2
5. A monogrammed wine glass is perfect
for any occasion whether for a bachelorette
party, birthday gift or just for yourself.
From Smith 3 Designs.
6. This handcrafted table caddy is completely
customizable to suit your decor!
Get yours at The Skilled Smith Workshop.

ARTISAN SPOTLIGHT
An Eye for Design
Vision Board by La Design Boutique
Photo courtesy of Home Goods

Anna Quach is the Creative Director for
La Design Boutique, a graphic design shop, whose
success has landed her designs in major department
stores across the country. We talked with Anna
about her journey.
Why is designing your passion?
Designing has always been a passion of mine
because I love creating something that will bring a
smile to someone or inspire and motivate them. We live in a very visual
world and the perceptions we have and how we deal with our emotions are
very visual in nature. We think and dream in images, and when I am able
to take my clients’ ideas and put them on paper for them, it’s very fulfilling
for me.
How did you get started designing your products?
It all started when I had to plan my own wedding. I did everything myself,
from the invitations to the programs, menus, place cards, etc. I received
so many compliments from my guests that I was inspired to start designing
for my friends and family, and then eventually for the public through
my online shop. There are so many details and logistics involved in planning
a wedding. I thought it would be amazing if I could take this one task
away from the couple and give them the invitations and other items they
dreamed of for their special day. In addition, I had just decided to move to
Italy with my husband so it really was perfect timing to start my new business.
It also allowed me to take advantage of my inspirations from three
cultures – my life in the U.S., my Chinese heritage, and my new home
in Italy! And now, I can add being a mother to two wild little boys as my
biggest inspiration!
I find great joy and satisfaction from being able to make my clients happy.
It’s often frustrating when you know what you want but you can’t find it or
you don’t know how to describe it. So I love to transform their ideas into
something tangible, and uniquely personal. With my invitations and party
stationery, I am helping
my customer celebrate a
special moment in their
lives. With my wall art,
I am creating a design
that will bring joy, comfort,
peace, and hopefully,
a smile to someone
who decides to put it on
their wall. It truly has
been a rewarding career
Customized Wedding Invitations
and I am so grateful to be
doing something I love.
How were you able to sell your
designs to department stores?
I was fortunate enough to contract
with an art publishing company
who takes my designs and
presents them to major retailers
for me. I send them designs as I
make them based on the latest
trends and hope for the best that
someone will love my work. And
here I am, seven years later, still
going through this amazing, fun,
and colorful journey.
Corinthinas and Enjoy designs at Kohl’s

What stores carry your designs?
I am so grateful every day when I think about how many retail stores carry
my art! You can find my work in Target, Home Goods, Burlington Coat
Factory, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Home Sense, Ross, Walmart, Hobby Lobby,
Garden Ridge, Gordmans, Winners, and many more. You can also find my
art online at Art.com and Allposters.com.
How is your product different from others?
I think my main strength is that I am very
flexible and can cater to a variety of styles.
I stay on trend but I also try to make the
looks timeless as well, so you don’t have
a piece that goes out of style. I also really
strive to build a relationship with my clients
by working together with them on the designs.
Every design of mine can be altered
Coffee and Java available at Target
and personalized to my clients’ needs. With
the printables I have on Etsy, I try to offer
products that are easy for my clients to use, reuse and make their own. For
example, they have the freedom to frame a print in any way they like or to
turn a template of mine into a DIY dry erase board.
What kinds of new ideas do you have for the new year?
I have so many new ideas and I’m excited to bring them to life. For my Etsy
shop, I want to design more invitations for all occasions, including weddings,
as well as more templates for DIY moms. For my published art, I
really want to dive into figurative art. It’s something that is completely new
to me but I have been wanting to take the challenge and explore a different
side of my creativity. There are so many talented individuals in the world
and I just hope I can inspire someone as much as I have been inspired.

DESIGN & DECOR
Farmhouse
Kitchen tour
Decor inspiration is kind of our thing,
so we thought you would love this photo
tour of some gorgeous farmhouse kitchens
to inspire you in the new year!
Photo Courtesy of Ashli @ourcozycottage

Photo Courtesy of Barbara @thedecorformula
Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth @mytexasfarm

Photo Courtesy of Kristi @thepickledrose
Photo Courtesy of Annie @gincreek

Photo Courtesy of Naella McLaughlin
The Country Barn
Photo Courtesy of @threesonsfarmhouse
Photo Courtesy of @farmhousetours

Photo courtesy of Chrissy @diapersanddecor
Photo Courtesy of Loren @bluebarnandcottage

Valentine’s Day Gifts
from the Heart
Remind your favorite musician, husband,
wife, boyfriend or girlfriend that
they will always be the one you pick
with this custom guitar pick keychain!
From The 2911 Plan.
This engraved slate heart is personalized
with a name of your choice. What a lovely,
long-lasting sentiment! Order yours today
from Bazingapop.
This bronze love charm necklace has a
classic feminine look and is perfect for
any outfit! Available from Bella Marie.

This unique pop-up Valentine card from
Created Just 4 U Designs will surely
bring a smile to the recipients face!
This gorgeous vintage rhinestone
brooch is dated from the 1940’s - 1960’s.
Available fron Eclectic Beadworks.
This lock and key bracelet set offers the ultimate
in matching jewelry for the coordinating couple.
Share the special bond of his and hers jewelry.
Available from Estilo Shop.
A lush, lace heart wreath, complete
with rhinestone embellishments is the
perfect addition to your holiday decor!
Available from Elegant Wreaths for You.
Show that special someone how
you feel with this cute love card
from HaHa Cardz. This card is hand
colored with copic markers and the
inside features a grouping of hearts
and the phrase “Love You Lots!”
This delicate pink crystal jewelry set
from Karen Suki Arts adds feminine
style to your look for that Valentine’s
date night.

This beautiful printable of a profession
of your love you can put
on the wall and read everyday. It is
a renewal of vows and perfect for
Valentine’s Day. Available from
La Design Boutique.
Enjoy a romantic evening at home
with these His and Hers candles
from Kandle Kreations by Sundra.
Each candle is available in a variety
of scents.
This beautiful sign makes a statement
for a proposal, wedding prop or wedding
gift and will be treasured for years
to come. Available from Oak Ridge
Prims.
If you and your loved one go together
like peanut butter and jelly,
then this is the card for you! Perfect
for Valentine’s Day! Order yours
from The Paper Pickle.
This black wrought iron heart
frame wind chime features
stained glass hearts and coordinating
colors of glass beads
and bells. From My Beach Glass
Designs.
This dainty necklace features a key
and heart charm that is worn off to the
side unlike many traditional charm
necklaces. The extender chain allows
this necklace to adjust from 19’ to 22’’.
From Pure Lisa Jewelry.

DIY
Let this delightful pink heart necklace
be the centerpiece to your look!
Wear alone or with other necklaces
to create a striking statement. From
Simply Sacred Treasure.
This gorgeous wall art piece from Step
Free Designs is the perfect sentiment
for Valentine’s day or a wedding. It
bears the bible verse from 1 John 4:19.
How to Decorate
Your Tiered Tray
by Nicole Boyle

A tiered tray is the best centerpiece for a large table! And that’s exactly
what I needed.
To start, pick out a tray. I selected a simple wood and iron three-tiered tray.
There are so many different styles and materials. Check out this link for
some ideas.
Next, select items for your tray that make sense in the space where your
tray will be used. Mine is going on my dining table. I wanted to use it to
store my cute coasters and fragrant candles. Then I wanted to add a little
greenery, and a touch of bling.

Make sure that your tray looks full and has a variety of textures. I added
some rustic balls, pinecones and cute signs. I carefully placed each item
until I felt the tray was well-stocked. I’m obsessed with the wood bead garland.
Mine is Creative Co-op brand from Rod Works. This final touch was
the perfect finishing accent. And there you are! A decorated tiered tray,
personalized to your space.
Nicole Boyle is an interior designer in Wilton, CA. You can follow her on her blog,
Fancy Fix Decor

FAMILY
A ruler growth chart, hand painted
in mint green and grey stripes, is
a great accessory for any nursery.
From Ivolves Designs.
This stunning retro style toddler girl
romper with pink roses and black
polka dots will look just darling paired
with a black or white cardigan! From
Four and Sixpants.
Littles’ Lifestyle
The cuteness never ends with
this adorable woodland creatures
dress from Rosy Cheeks Couture!
Looking for photo shoot outfits or
a gender reveal idea? These sibling
shirts from Crafty Crafting Pandas
are just the way to go!

Could this be any cuter?? This personalized
Handpicked from Heaven
outfit from Cute N Cuddly Outfits
is the ultimate baby shower gift!
Help protect your little one from germs
with a plastic car seat accessory which will
attach to your car seat or stroller with Velcro
(included). From Little Love Canada.
Keep your littles warm this winter
with a soft, reversible knot headband
from Shevelkin Designs.
Nothing says cozy like a pair of handmade
baby moccasins! These are made
to order to your specifications. From
Steph’s Family Stitches.
Dress up your little for Valentine’s
Day with these darling hair bows
from Serendipity Boutique.
Looking for something fun to fill
those cold winter days? Check out
this paper bead making kit from
Squeakerchimp!

The warm fuzzy cuteness continues
with this little bear cardigan from
Lisa’s Sew Hooked. Handmade
from soft, acrylic baby yarn, its easy
to care for too!
This adorable Valentine’s dress is
perfect for a party and can be worn
with an optional petticoat! Available
from Sew Wee Design.