Jackie Blue Home

Seasons Greetings

2009-12-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

Jan Showers Blog ~ Who Knew

2009-12-20T15:19:00.001-08:00

Why am I always the last to know??? I think I have an idea of what's going on in the world around me but really I have no clue!

I just stumbled on to Jan Showers blog! I had no idea she had one and for over a year already. You'd think I would be paying attention but no.After all she is one of my all time favorite designers because she is a master fabric manipulation and bedroom design. Her bedrooms are light and airy yet cozy and welcoming. Her wonderfully tailored half testers are the inspiration for many of the designs in my book, The Design Directory of Bedding.

Everything she does has a fabulous crispness to it. Her furniture designs are amazing and her window treatments, perfection.

I am in awe of her new book Glamorous Rooms. The photos are stellar.

But what really blows me away is the back cover ~ animal print with no text! Oh, to have a publisher that would let me get away with that! How fabulous.

I intend to become a regular blog stalker and if you didn't know about her blog you can join me stalking her here.

Happy Coincidence

2009-12-18T15:13:00.001-08:00

I was surprised to learn earlier this week that I had won a prize from Paris Hotel Boutique one of my favorite online stores. It arrived yesterday and contained two lovely little candle pots from Voluspa. I don't know what is cuter the candle pot or the packaging. They take the phrase "good things come in small packages" literally. I just adore the colors and the labeling. Thank you Lynn, I will put them to good use!

Coincidentally in the same batch of mail was my travel documents and itinerary for my trip to Germany and Germany & Paris!!!! So not only was I going to be able to smell some yummy Parisian goodness from my new candles but I had my tickets to Paris in my hot little hands. It seems my planets were aligning.

Then today one of my best friends, Danette, gave me this fabulous Tori Burch makeup bag which will be perfect for my trip. It was a day of happy coincidences.

I hope you have some wonderful moments of your own this weekend!!

Las Vegas Goes Literary

2009-12-14T15:10:00.000-08:00

Looks who's come to town at the new Crystals mall at City Center in Las Vegas ~ famed bookseller and publisher Assouline. I can hear my library shelves quivering with excitement as we speak.

A tiny portion of their vintage book selection ~ I swoon!

It's hard to even browse in this store without feeling that your literary collection is woefully inadequate. I could have bought everything on the shelves. Assouline is among the select few publishers that still look at a book as a piece of art. From the quality of the construction of their books to the images on the covers and the superior content of the writing itself, they are keeping the art of publishing alive.

One of the only problems that I find with their titles is that the cover and presentation is usually so stellar that you don't want to store your books in as mundane a setting as a mere bookshelf. They need to be shown so every inch can be seen in all of it's glory. Publishers of their caliber such as Rizzoli and Taschen are struggling due to economic and technological developments beyond their control but I am sure there will always be a market for their beautiful books. It would be a very sad world without them.

Wait ~ Who is this rakishly handsome book reader? Perhaps he is purchasing a load of new titles for his beloved wife for Christmas? Oh, I forgot he is already sending me to Europe. Damn.... My bookshelves will have to groan a bit longer.

Turqoise ~ Pantone Color of the Year 2110

2009-12-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

The Pantone Color of the Year for 2010 is Turquoise. For the last few years various shades of aqua, cerulean, teal, and ultramarine have been tremendously popular so this color choice doesn't seem to be much of a stretch. The true turquoise shade that they have chosen does seem to have more depth and a higher concentration of green than the icy aquas we have been seeing. Here are a few of my favs.

Same Fabulous Bed ~ Different Room

2009-12-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

I love this bed ~ so I was thrilled to see another interpretation of it the other day. In the photo above of room number one I like the rustic natural feel of the stone walls and aged floor. I'm also a huge fan of how they drapes a simple muslin canopy over the back!

Room number two has a slicker fell to it. The glossy floor makes it look as if the bed is floating there. The canopy seems to be an afterthought or it's just lumpy in the middle otherwise I would have liked it.

Looks as if this room was not professionally staged. Could there be more stuff on that table? Still I love the bed and the red bed cover is full of punch.

My favorite would have to be the first room though. It's just balanced to perfection.

Which one do you prefer?

I Can't Believe It's December

2009-12-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that is already December ~ where did the rest of the year go? Time always seems to fly by unless you're waiting for something special and then it dribbles slowly. This is what my house looked like last December (might have been January ~ but it's sometime in winter anyway) I had a lot of fun just sitting at my desk in my kitchen watching the snow fall for a whole week straight. Very unusual for Vegas ~ Global warming????

The local weather man says there is a chance of snow tomorrow and I am so hoping he is right! I love to pretend that we have winter here. We get to have a bit of fun with a few snowflakes but don't have to shovel anything. The only drawback is that unusually cold temps drive the scorpions out of their hiding places. My husband had to squish one just the other night at 3:00 am while walking to the bathroom. We never had a problem with them until last year ( more global warming? )

When winter rolls around I always look up The National Gingerbread Competition at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville NC. This years entries, while beautiful, seem a bit conservative and almost somber. Maybe it's a sign of the times. What do you think?

Grand Prize Winner

First Prize Winner

Second Prize Winner

Third Prize Winner

It seems the housing crisis has even hit the Gingerbread world! Bummer........

www.jackievontobel.com goes LIVE !!!!!!!

2009-11-29T19:34:00.000-08:00

FINALLY ~ After months of preparation and hard work, my new website, www.jackievontobel.com is up and running ~ live!!!!

I don't know which took more time; designing the fabric collection or building the website! No matter, because it's now open for business!

There are 12 main fabric patterns available in a diverse selection of colorways for a total of 64 unique fabrics sold as yardage. The pillow cover collection includes 15 unique patterns that coordinate with the yardage patterns in a wide range of colors for a total of 48 beautiful pillow cover designs. Many of the patterns and pillow covers cross~coordinate to give you a full spectrum of size and scale to choose from.

The main page of the site, showing my favorite angel bench, Peanut, and a tiny glimpse of my backyard. All of the fabrics and pillow covers in the collection are made in the USA of natural and or 100% organic fabrics and are printed via an eco-friendly process. We ship directly from the printer / manufacturer to reduce shipping cost and our carbon footprint.

The Pillow Cover page. Each pillow is a small work of art and is designed to enhance our yardage patterns.

The fabrics and pillow covers are shown grouped by type (fabrics or pillow covers), by color, and by collection.

Here is Peanut ready for her close up! She's not much of poser. It took a generous amount of leftover Thanksgiving turkey to get her to hold still.

I am so proud of this site and of my new fabric line and I hope that you will take a trip over there to have a look. While you're there please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I would really appreciate it.

www.jackievontobel.com

Special thanks to Leila & Cicily from Lightning Bug Designs for designing the site and walking me through the shopping cart process ~ Ughhhh...

Giving Thanks

2009-11-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

I've had a lot to be thankful for over this past year despite everything going on in the world. I released a new Bedding book, designed my new fabric collection with Adaptive Textiles, launched my Jackie Von Tobel Studio modulus with Minutes Matter Inc. The postcard above is one of many that will be available in our new Minutes Matter marketing system, The Power of I, which we are just about finished with.

I've had the great pleasure of being able to share all of these new adventures with all of you here on this blog. Your comments and good wishes have kept me going and I appreciate all of them. I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that all of your wishes come true.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bennison Goes Bold

2009-11-17T18:38:00.001-08:00

Certain fabric lines bring to mind a very specific image for me and Bennison is one of those companies. The sheer mention of Bennison makes me think rich, traditional, elegance. I expect to see beautiful, intricate, yet subtle, patterns in somewhat muted colors on their fantastic linen grounds. The stunning room pictured above and the fabric below are typical of the fabrics I've seen from them for many years now and they have long been a favorite line for many high profile designers.

Today when I went to their website looking to see what's new this is what I saw!

Huh? I love the fabric but why is there a zebra standing on it?

This is their new collection; a beautiful blend of super bright colors on linen using traditional motifs.

This seems a bit Dorthy Draper to me.

Companion Stripes

Sort a Florence Broadhurst vibe here.

More Stripes.

What do you think of this new direction? Do you want to see the status quo from certain brands that you love or are you okay with them doing a bit of experimentation? Are there certain brands that are doing such a good job at one thing they should just stick to it instead of trying to be something they're not?

Let's Discuss......

New Color at Rubie Green

2009-11-15T20:22:00.001-08:00

A new subtle gray colorway adds a soothing neutrality to the color selection on several of the existing patterns at Rubie Green. I don't think they are up on the website yet but these pictures featured on MA Belle, were taken at the launch party for the new color.

How does Michelle Adams do it all ?! A fabric Company, the fab new Lonny Magazine, her blog MA Belle, and who knows what other projects she's got up her sleeve. She's a force to be reckoned with.

Gabriela Ibarra ~ Colorful Happy Art

2009-11-13T22:20:00.000-08:00

Mixed Media Artist Gabriela Ibarra creates beautiful dimensional still lifes that have an innate energy and vitality that just love.

She looks just as energetic as her art and she has a little daughter named Olive. Isn't that just the greatest name!!

Visit her website here

The Fabulous Helser Bros Giving Away Paris Trip

2009-11-10T21:38:00.000-08:00

As you all know I've been posting about the fantastic trip that I am taking to Paris for Maison et Objet that my friends Deb Barrett and Susan Schultz are hosting next January. Well those fabulous Helser Brothers, Jay and Mark have caught wind of the trip and instead of them going themselves they are doing what they do best ~ creating an unbelievable opportunity for one of their many fans.

They are GIVING AWAY one of the few remaining spots in the group to one very lucky individual who will be given the task of blogging about the trip for the Helser Brothers blog.

The value of this trip is $2800.00 !!!!!!!!

Enter to win here

These guys are a true class act. They love what they do, they treat their employees and customers like family, and they have mastered the art of fine customer service. Plus, they are just really great guys and crazy dancers !

I don't know if their new French Pole Design has anything to do with their unbelievable generosity but it is a fabulous new addition to their stellar product line up. Visit their website here.

Now I have to admit that I was a bit miffed when I first heard of this great offer as I have already paid for my trip. Otherwise I would be over at the Helser Bros blog right now stuffing the ballet box. So if you are interested in hanging out with me and a group of 11 other fabulous designers in the City of Lights, get going and vote!!!

Good Luck....... Au Bientot

My New Website is almost done!

2009-11-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

Chinoiserie I Pillow ~ Ocean 20" X 20"

I've been under the weather with a nasty case of the flu but I've still been hard at work fine tuning my new website. I hope to have it up and running by the end of the week! Can't wait for you all to see it. Hopefully I will be flu free by then.

Luxury Linen From Lilia Alessandra

2009-11-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Lavish embellishments create classic patterns on rich linen grounds made into pillows, bedding and draperies at Lilia Alessandra.

I'm in Love !!!!

WCAA Alert ~ Another Window Blind Recall

2009-10-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

I just received an important recall notice from the WCAA ( Window Coverings Association of America) regarding a story that broke yesterday in The Wall Street Journal

Window Blinds Are Recalled; Strangulation Risk Is Cited

Associated Press

WASHINGTON-Nearly one-million roller blinds and Roman shades sold by IKEA, Bed Bath & Beyond and Hanover Direct were recalled Tuesday for posing a serious strangulation risk to small children. A child's neck can get tangled in the inner cord of Roman shades or the exposed loop of roller blinds, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.
Read the entire article here.

* This is the second major recall in the last two months associated with safety concerns about strangulation risk associated with window blinds. Please check the article for the products that have been recalled.

Last Chance to Join Me at Maison et Objet in Paris

2009-10-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

Deb Barrett and Susan Shultz are getting ready to close registration for their fantastic European trade show tours in January which I posted all the info for here.

The first option is 7 nights in Paris and an insiders tour of the worlds most comprehensive home decor product venue, Maison et Objet. This trip is limited to twelve individuals so hurry up an sign on - we are going to have a fantastic time!

The second option is an expanded tour of the big three European shows starting in Frankfurt, Germany at Heimtextile, the mother of all fabric shows. Then on to Cologne, Germany for the IMM show which showcases home decor and finally winding up in Paris for Maison et Objet! This trip is a full two weeks of fabulous inspiration!

I will be going along for the three city tour so hurry and sign up to join me.

Visit Deb's website for more information www.debbarrett.com

Henrik Simonson ~ Inspired Art

2009-10-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

I've got a new art crush ~ from Denmark by way of the UK meet Henrik Simonson. Much of his work has a distinctly Asian tone with a bit if grunge and whimsy thrown in for good measure.

He describes himself as a painter but would rather say that he draws his work. The foundation of his art is the drawn line with paint being a co-conspirator in the process.

His pieces have great depth from the layers of sketching, paint and more sketching.

On his website he speaks about his process and the fact that he likes to leave remnants from deleted motifs behind by only erasing them lightly so they show through in the finished work.

His use of color in washes with strong highlights is soft and soothing to the eye.

Even his vibrant red pieces have a soft quality to them that is hard to achieve with such strong pigment.

Limited edition prints are available of many of his works through galleries listed on his website.

Visit it here.

All images www.henriksimonson.com

Mother Daughter Design Team

2009-10-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

Since my own daughter will graduate in 2012 with a degree in interior design and architecture from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and hopefully join me in my business I was particularly interested in this mother daughter team from New York, Robyn Karp Interiors. This mom and co-designer daughter look so young it doesn't seem possible that they could have achieved such an impressive portfolio - but they have! Check it out..........................

Great use of the KW Imperial Trellis.

Love the light fixture

Lavender and Lemon - Delicious

Soothing blues and tans

Adorable girls room in pink and grey.

The Venetian mirror hung over the back drape of the canopy is delightful and worthy of the great AH.

Perfection!

Nice...........

Fabulous tiny tot retreat.

These ladies seem to know what they are doing. I love their fresh aesthetic and the uncluttered arrangement of their rooms. I'm sure we'll see more of their work in the future. You can check out their website here.

All pictures Robyn Karp Interiors

The Rebirth of the Botanical

2009-10-20T12:56:00.001-07:00

Botanicals are all the rage these day but we've come a long way from the framed prints from Redoutes Roses we all had on our walls in the 80's. I must have framed hundreds of those pages for clients in every color and variety. Today, rather than perfect images of beautiful flowers the exotic and more interesting botanicals are getting the spotlight.

Bold colors or subtle hues are fine as long as the composition of the overall print is interesting. www.Panteek.com is a great source for antique botanicals. They have a very diverse selection.

I'm absolutely in love with these fantastic antique griege prints from Gutenburg.org. These would make a stunning statement in any room.

This years Kips Bay Show house was no exception with Bunny Williams placing this pair of vibrant botanical paintings front and center in her space.

The colors in these images are just breathtaking!

I'm in love with this entire artichoke series.

They are very reminiscent of Georgia O'Keffe's paintings

The brilliant mind behind these painting is Scottish born artist Sarah Graham.

She seems to be bringing new life and vitality to an age old art form that dates all the way back to the Egyptian culture. Her huge oversize charcoal drawings and paintings lend themselves to modern and traditional interiors alike. There is a universality to the natural subjects that she paints. I think we will be seeing a lot of her work in the future.

If you're looking for a readily available source for botanicals, purveyor of fine art and blogger extraordinaire Soicher~Marin is the place to go. They have a fresh take on the traditional form with these prints done in a light blue silhouette.

Or, check out my personal fave, these black and white reproductions of traditional colored prints.

If the real thing is more your style take a trip over to Velvet & Linen and read Brooke's post about preserved botanicals.

No matter what your style I think botanicals will always be a staple of the design trade. What amazes me is how one subject matter can be interpreted in so many unique and beautiful ways.

Positive Thoughts for a Friend

2009-10-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

Vicente & Me at the Fall World Market Center Reception

Please send some good thoughts and prayers to our blogging pal and all around nice guy, designer, Vicente Wolf who has been in the hospital for the past two weeks with a bad case of pneumonia. He blogs about it here but says he is on the mend although still in residence in the hospital.

You can send him a get well message here.

Pillows ~ Pillows ~ Pillows

2009-10-15T19:48:00.001-07:00

What's your pleasure?
Furry?

Nubby?

Slick?

Fresh?

Metallic?

Baroque?

Fancy?

Oriental?

Bold?

Country?

Embroidered?

Regal?

You Can Get Them All at Pillow Decor

Book Giveaway ~ And The Winners Are..................

2009-10-12T10:28:00.001-07:00

Paris Hotel Boutique

Thanks to everyone who enter the giveaway - I wish I had enough free books for everyone!

The three winners are:

#11 ~ Tonya Strong
#20 ~ Donna Cash
#56 ~ Shelia

Congratulations winners ~ Please email me at: jackie_vontobel@msn.com with your mailing address and I will send your new copy of The Design Directory of Bedding to you .

numbers generated on www.random.org

The Design Directory of Bedding ~ Giveaway!!

2009-10-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

The books are here so it's time to give a few away to some lucky readers!

I'm giving away three copies so just subscribe to my blog and leave a comment about why you want my book, and you're eligible to win!

If you are already a subscriber please just leave a comment telling me why you want my book and you will be entered.

Winners will be announced on Monday.................Good Luck!

Going Pink ~ Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

In honor of breast cancer awareness month I am going pink in solidarity with other bloggers including the awareness ringleader Mrs Blandings and I'm showing off the first pics of my beautiful Pink Pagoda Pillows!!!!

They are so gorgeous, I wish you could see them in person. But you will be able to soon because the website is almost finished and ready to sell my new collection....

You'll be able to take home these beauties as well.

I love, love, love my peacocks. I am so happy with the way the pillows look. You have to see them to believe it.

Here are some of the fabrics ready to go. I hope to be able to go live with the site in a few days. Stay tuned for the big announcement...

See other "Pink" blogs here....