Whimsy by Victoria: January 2011

January 22, 2011

Honeysuckle...

So, if you haven't heard...

Honeysuckle is the color of the year.

This is what Pantone had to say about it's color choice for 2011...

“Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world.

Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year.

It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.”

I for one have never been about following trends, I design with colors and things I love regardless. Before turquoise became 2010's color of the year, I had been using it in my decor since 2003. I don't know if that made me out of style then...or in the future, because it is one of my favorite colors and I probably will continue to use it. I have to say I was a little surprised that such a bold color as this vivid, sherbet pink is the color of the year, but I at the same time love it! It embraces exactly what I believe...adding a little "pop" of color keeps things in your home whimsical and interesting.

Before knowing that this is the hottest color of 2011, I have already been adding little bits of pink here and there in different shades. The red I use in my decor too is more of a pink~ red than a candy apple red. Maybe I was already on to something before I knew I was "with" it. ;)

I personally love a little bold pink in a room to add contrast. I had fun putting together a collage of different shades in this very vibrant and pretty color...

Images via*Google*

So, what is your take on it?

Love it or leave it...

Oh, a few more thoughts before I go.

I just want to thank Marian@Miss Mustard Seed's Interiors for featuring me on

her series Furniture Feature Fridays! It was an honor and it made my day!!

Many thank yous for all who left me such encouraging comments on Following your dreams...

Your words always mean so much and I am lucky to have so many kind friends!!

Excited for what's ahead!

I hope your weekend is an enjoyable one!

Hugs,

January 19, 2011

Following your dreams...

This post has been on my mind for sometime,

I finally feel I am ready to share...

Design has always been an important part of who I am. Even when I was very little I was particular about colors that I liked, my clothes, my surroundings and always fascinated with the tiniest details. I used to look at the Sears catalog just to see the bedding or anything home decor, not as interested in the toy section. I was always decorating and re-decorating my room...often, or happy to help a friend with hers. I wanted to learn to sew, paint, draw...really, anything artistic.

As a child If you were to ask me "what I wanted to be when I grow up?"...I know it wasn't the usual reply of a girl my age... a mom (I now am blessed with 5 amazing kids!), a teacher (even though there was a moment I wanted to do that...just to write on the chalkboard) ;) or even a nurse/dr. No...my dream was to be a designer.

From the moment I could take art class at school, I did. I took art all the way from 7th grade to my senior year. It was my favorite class. A time to create, to be able to get lost in ideas that were yearning to be expressed.... my inner voice could finally be heard. It always felt magical...

I am the happiest when I am creating. The older I have gotten, the more confident I have learned to believe in... me. Sometimes as an artist that can be hard to do...always that little voice saying, " maybe it's not good enough "...

Back in 2008 the idea became so clear to me...I needed to finally take the steps to make my dream come true..to be a designer. That is where "Whimsy by Victoria" came about. I love something a little unexpected or unique in design. Whimsy, just seemed to fit me. I was excited and ready to go full speed ahead...then I hit a speed bump.

About the same time,the Air Force decided to move us, unexpectedly. Now my thoughts had to focus on our move...plans put on hold. Once again we were planting new roots in another home, another state, new schools...what we call our normal life being in the military.

So, for the last couple of years, I have put off opening my Etsy, and really diving into my dream of what could be. I have had to focus on the move, now remodeling (even though I enjoy that aspect...it can be draining) and at one point....just having no energy and feeling uninspired. In fact that really sums up my last year.

Luckily, just like with any creative block...it does eventually go away. Happy to say, Inspiration has found me again. Just as a new year is here, I feel re-energized with a new zest of ideas, looking forward to the future and the doors I see opening...finally ready!

Ready to follow my dreams! I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am excited to get lost in designing and let the creativity flow! I know, this is my year. The year to make my dream a reality and let my inner voice be heard.

I will be working away over the next several months on my new design line...so many ideas coming to life. I will be sharing more on my ventures as things get closer....

I wanted to share something else with you all, someone very special to me..my niece. Sarah writes, plays the guitar and sings her own music...so talented!! She is a perfect example of realizing who she is and following her dreams as well!