April 1st, 2013
way better than anything that would have fit into mrs. jones’s easter basket was a weekend visit by thomas jayne. (frequent readers already know of my unabashed admiration for him…detailed here, here and here.) thomas generously took time away from his family to greet his memphis friends and fans and sign copies of his gorgeous new book, american decoration. it’s no small feat to fit his 6-foot 6-inch frame (and even larger personality) into our little coop, but we did, and it was a wonderful afternoon.
after signing dozens of books, thomas was kind enough to speak for a few minutes on decoration in our region, and, more specifically, on the use of painted furniture (ahem!) as a potentially key bespoke element in a room’s scheme. entertaining questions in his typically thoughtful/insightful/cheeky way, he did happen to also point out that mrs. jones is not a painted lady, but a painting lady. (so there, those who think that we are teaching zumba lessons at the studio!) (he also left a note on my board to that effect. right next to a clipping about himself. as i said: cheeky.)
once we’d plied him with just a teensy bit of champagne, thomas also gave up the key to his fabulous pied-a-terre in the french quarter, where we were (coincidentally…or not?) headed the day after next. though we did not impose upon his hospitality with a prolonged stay, we were very tempted to push the limits of squatters’ rights…every inch is de-lish…an unforgettable and completely inspiring space! another post will follow soon with some of my favorite new orlean-ian color combos, but for now here is a little taste of the most perfect apartment on the planet:
many thanks to all of you who came to enjoy the afternoon with us.
By stephanie | Posted in: Family & Friends, In The Studio, Inspiration | 1 Comment
November 23rd, 2012
how does my amazing sister-in-law betsy (and her fabulous mister, bob) do it all? she hosted all the dozens of us for another fantastic thanksgiving afternoon at her beautiful farm. four generations of joneses/englishes/bennetts, five turkeys, three horses, two new babies and one football. so much to be grateful for!
dear father, let us be truly thankful for these and all of our bountiful blessings, and ever mindful of the needs of others. amen.
By stephanie | Posted in: Family & Friends | No Comments
October 31st, 2012
the gypsies, dinosaurs, flowers, chickens, flappers, taylor swift, and more than one version of slenderman were out looking for treats tonight on cherokee drive. excellent manners were on display, along with darling costumes. mommies, be proud.
(this was the first year that the young joneses, teenagers that they are, did not costume up. {sigh.} at least meg helped me pass out treats.)
By stephanie | Posted in: Family & Friends | No Comments
September 25th, 2012
every other year, a devoted, creative committee throws a beautiful dinner & dance to benefit the james knox polk home near mr. jones’s hometown. it’s always the most fun, special night, simply known as “the polk”. (and if i had a dollar for each time my memphis friends ask why we enjoy a “polka party” so much, i’d be wearing couture to the next one!)
the venue changes each time, rotating among maury county‘s many incredible historic homes. during cocktail hour, a tour is given of the house (accompanied by appropriate music, of course.) lovely eva james & don crichton opened their gorgeous bethel place for this year’s event.
the festivities then move out to the lawn into a series of tents…the auction begins, dinner is served, the (non-polka) band tunes up, and the party is on.
besides the setting, the details and decor are unfailingly gorgeous. this year, the theme/look/vibe of the event was derived from some old photographs (daguerreotypes?) of president and mrs. polk…yummy browns and sepia tones were everywhere…
…along with copper and mercury glass, and white roses and hydrangeas.
the clever ladies on the committee commissioned these tool-boxes to use as centerpieces from local amish carpenters:
they were emblazoned with president polk’s signature.
my super-lovely sister-in-law is in negotiations with mr. yoder to have some unfinished, paint-able ones made for us to carry at the studio…what do you think?
By stephanie | Posted in: Family & Friends | No Comments
September 16th, 2012
yesterday was the 25th annual cooper/young festival, an the arts & music street party in memphis. since my new studio sits right in the center of the festival boundries, it was time to join in the fun and pitch a tent.
we had flea market goodies, stencils, books, painted frames and furniture, and chalk paint™ along with all of annie sloan’s accoutrements on offer.
(my talented friend & graphic designer laura beck designed these fun fans for us to give away.)
all teenaged hands were on deck to help…three joneses, two (of three) bennetts, and darling maddie davies acted as support staff for kim, sally, loulou and me. (george & epps were indispensable, too, natch.)
kim’s daughter lillian stenciled and stamped bags for hours to help us get ready. (i truly owe you, lilo.)
thanks to everyone who braved the crowds to come and see us, and for friends who arrived at the end of the day bearing life-saving wine and cashews.
we are already making plans for next year…a double-wide tent is under serious consideration.
By stephanie | Posted in: Family & Friends, In The Studio | 3 Comments
