Yearn for the Urn

 

Just had to post this picture of Melanie's fall styling of the Willow House Framework Urn. I love the way this piece is so versatile and easy to style for any season -- mini-pumpkins and gourds in the fall, ornaments of your choice for the holidays, faux fruit or seed balls for spring, large shells for summer -- just use your imagination!

To purchase the Framework Urn or other Willow House products, simply visit my online store or contact me!

© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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Waiting...

Still have a few more weeks until my Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine arrives (including this Serenity Pearl Cross Necklace)...


© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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Falling for fall... recipes, that is!

We've been feeling fall in the air all week, and each time we venture down the country road that leads us into town, my daughter giggles with delight as she noticed tinges of orange in the trees. When I came out in shorts yesterday, she rebuked me for attempting to drive the fall weather away by wearing summer clothes (in my defense, I did have on a sweater and closed-toe shoes!)

I'm hoping that I'll have opportunity to do a bit of fall treat-making soon... until then, I'll have to settle for drooling over recipes like these...

Pumpkin Cranberry Pecan Bread from My Blessed Life

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting from The Stir 

Pumpkin Muffins from Nourishment for Ladies (Lori didn't publish a photo of her muffins, so I thought I'd use a photo of a different kind of muffin she has in the oven right now!)

Candy Corn Krispy Treat Pretzel Pops from Love from the Oven

Cinnamon Caramel Apples from Bakingdom

Are you sufficiently inspired to make some fall treats? Let me know which of these you plan to try -- I'm betting you'll get to bake before I do! And I would love it if you would share some pictures over on my Willow House Facebook page, as well. Happy Fall, y'all!

The lead photo is my last year's fall centerpiece using one of my very favorite and most versatile Willow House products, the French Wire Tiered Stand. This stand can be completely disassembled for easy storage and can be configured for many different uses! See the French Wire Tiered Stand and other beautiful, versatile products at my Willow House store. And be sure to check out my September Sale -- lots of pretty products to help you organize!

What's the big deal about designer jewelry?

Oh, I'm so glad you asked! That was certainly one of the questions rolling around in my mind as I began to hear about Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine. Thankfully, Bill Shaw was proactive by answering the question before it even left my lips... or fingertips. And once I saw the jewelry, the distinction became abundantly clear! Here's is Bill's explanation... I hope it is as helpful to you as it was to me:

Designer jewelry is a term used to define jewelry that is more exclusive, unique and original than jewelry that is mass-manufactured and commonly available. With Willow House jewelry there is greater care and expertise taken in the technical execution of the jewelry creation process, resulting in a higher quality piece of jewelry. Jewelers consider designer jewelry as more individualistic, as it is produced on a limited scale, often by hand. Because no two genuine pearls, hand-cut stones or carvings are exactly the same, each piece of Sara Blaine jewelry is unique.

Designer jewelry also represents a line attributed to one particular person, like Sara Blaine, who is the exclusive creator of our designs. To be considered designer jewelry, the collection must embody a signature style. Designer jewelry is by nature recognizable by both its method of creation and its verifiable design pedigree.

Designer jewelry is found in upscale boutiques, traditional retail jewelry stores, and now for the first time in direct sales — from Willow House. By definition, Willow House offers the only designer jewelry in the direct selling industry.

Art jewelry represents a broad spectrum of jewelry design. Art jewelry may be produced from cloth, paper, beads, clay, precious and non-precious metals, wire of varying types or any material that may be suitable for wearable bodily adornment. The jewelry artist uses the materials to make the art jewelry in a unique manner. Art jewelry is often signed by some method, whether it is initials, or a stamp. Art jewelry is produced by the artist who created the design and often only one piece is ever made.

Art jewelry is typically sold directly to the consumer by the artist and is impractical for traditional retail or direct selling.

Costume jewelry is easily identifiable and defined by the use of both inexpensive materials and mass-production techniques. Costume jewelry uses synthetic stones, glass, plastic, silver and gold tones. Most are manufactured with automated stamping and casting techniques rather than expensive skilled artisan hand-carving and cutting. While all jewelry has to be designed by someone, it is either the inferior quality of the materials, the mass-manufacturing techniques — or both — that cause it to be considered “costume” jewelry and not “designer,” despite sophisticated packaging and sometimes artificially high price points. Most silver jewelry that is mass-produced is considered costume even though it is made of higher quality material than other costume jewelry. Each piece of our silver jewelry is carved and crafted by the hands of the finest skilled silversmiths.

Costume jewelry is typically sold in department stores, mass-market discount retailers and through direct selling companies.

I'm anxiously awaiting my sample kit -- until then, you can preview our beautiful, exclusive collection through my Willow House website!

(Note: if you'd like to join my team of design consultants to own your own business selling Willow House Style for Home or Jewelry by Sara Blaine or both, contact me for details!)



© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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Ode to Wire Baskets

Hats off to Domestically Speaking today for sharing her love of wire baskets today along with lovely pictures. I'm partial to wire baskets, as well. I mean, what's not to love? I love their timeless design and fun functionality. And I'm amazed by their ability to blend with any style, from modern to classic to cottage!

Since its inception last August, Willow House has introduced several wonderful wire baskets. You all know how much I love my French Wire Tiered Stand (a vital component of my Barista Bar). Her baby sister, the French Wire Carousel Caddy, is a little lovely with oodles of potential! And the French Wire Convertible Basket was so popular that we just couldn't keep enough in stock (welcome back, baby)! I really, really like them all.

But in July, I met a new friend. Three friends, actually -- the Wireweave Basket Trio. I liked them when I saw them simple and plain. Then I visited the Design Showcase at our annual Willow House Convention... and I loved them. Our designers turned them every which way but loose!

This trio works hard in any room, such as the office, where our designers organized books and papers (and notice that French Wire Carousel Caddy working hard in the background). I love how they lined the large basket with an old feedsack to add a pop of color and texture. Simple, but effective.

Next, our crew transformed the trio into an amazing tower centerpiece. By inserting the glass cylinders from our Galveston Footed Hurricanes into each of the Wireweave Baskets, they become vases for grocery store gerberas. Willow House designer-extraordinaire Susan added grass from her own yard into the top tier for a pop of green. Who knew such a big statement could be made so easily? (And, by the way, those little yellow flowers are known as "billy balls"... just one of many things I learned at Convention, thanks to Melanie Grant.)

But I was in awe when I saw the craft room. (Man, could I feel creative in this room!)

(I don't know if I'd actually be creative, but I could sure feel creative!)

(Note the French Wire Convertible Baskets on the walls -- and how 'bout that new Athena Crackle Vase turned lamp!)

There was a lot to be in awe of, but I think what really floored me was the use of the baskets as hanging lamps (thanks to fellow consultant Linda Burt for the great photos -- wouldn't you know that I forgot my camera). Those Willow House designers can turn anything into a lamp!


What about you? Are you loving the new wire basket trend, too? How would you use the Wireweave Basket Trio in your home?


If you're loving the Wireweave Basket Trio or any of the other products featured here and would like to see details or learn how to purchase, visit my Willow House website!





© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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Update your bathroom to a spa! {Revised}

This was originally posted back in May, but I'm reposting it with a few updates because these items are back on the Weekly Deals list in my Willow House e-outlet right now!

This will be a quick post -- I just want you to see the possibilities for a great budget bathroom makeover available due to our Willow House weekly deals on the e-outlet, combined with our Customer Special.

I grew up in Arizona, but really as a beach girl. Our vacations each summer were generally spent in San Diego enjoying sand and surf. Even now, sitting on a beach pretending to read is one of the most relaxing things I can think of. The sun, the breeze, the sound of the waves, the soothing colors... it's the perfect combination!

In the midst of spring cleaning, I love to get a fresh look in my bathroom. Here's a great way to do that without breaking the bank, just in time for summer visitors. Simply take advantage of three awesome deals available through Sunday night, May 7. The colors in this combination just make me think of the beach and of the spa.

Here's the look:

This week only, you can purchase these items at huge discounts as Willow House e-outlet weekly deals:

• Cabana Shower Curtain - regularly $69.95, now only $22.96
• Cabana Bath Rug - regularly $42.95, now only $13.96
• Cabana Hand Towels (set of 2) - regularly $29.95, now only $9.96

Wow -- that's $142.95 in bathroom makeover for only $46.88! But it gets even better! Add one of our beautiful new products to your countertop or spa tub ledge -- the Athena Crackle Vase adds a gentle pop of color -- use sunflowers for a friendly wake up, or white hydrangea for a gentle hello. The narrow profile is space-friendly, and the $34.96 price tag is wallet-friendly, especially since you can take advantage of our customer special after placing the Cabana products in your shopping cart, making the Athena Crackle Vase just $17.48!

This brings the grand total for your bathroom makeover to less than $65.00, for over $175 worth of beautiful products -- can I hear a ka-ching?!

It's easy to order! Just visit my website and click the link to my e-outlet. From there, simply search on a keyword from each item to find what you're looking for. And feel free to browse around -- so many beautiful products and many discounted on the e-outlet, as well. Happy shopping, and enjoy your new spa bathroom!



© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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Design 101: The gift of textiles

 

Textiles are the quickest and easiest way to bring style, color, pattern, and texture into a room. Whatever your taste, snuggly throws, cheerful crochet, fabulous fabrics, cozy quilts, and squishy pillows, are all a gift to the home decorator.

Jane Brocket, author

Our Willow House design team used lovely textiles to bring warmth and interest into this Birmingham loft. Heritage Wall Art hung from the homeowner's rustic ladder brings color and texture to a focal point. A neutral sofa is livened by the contrast of crisp stripes and soft scrolling on the Embroidered Scroll and Stripe Pillow and the Scrollwork Oversized Throw. A zebra-skin ottoman provides a surprising, yet neutral, element to the room. It's topped by the stylish Parisian Ottoman Tray, providing a base for the Heritage Hurricane and one of our new Demibottles and adding light, warmth, and color to the room.


All of these products (and more!) can be purchased through my Willow House online store, or through a Willow House in-home design workshop. Or, if you are a discount shopper, host a design workshop of your own to receive discounted and free products! Beginning August 1, 2011, our host rewards program has been improved even more!


Note: My August 2011 hosts receive DOUBLE HOST DOLLARS! Host a $500 party and select $200 in free products! Host a $1000 party and select $500 in free products! {This applies to both in-home and virtual parties.} Contact me today to reserve your date!

© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
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