Jennifer Rizzo...

I've always been an artist but never knew it.

Even when I was little I would paint and draw on everything, but as I grew,

 I pushed it down, feeling like a starving artist wasn't really an acceptable job.

Now that I am in my... ahem... late 30's; I've finally gotten to the point

 where it's almost a "need" for me to let that inner artist come out.

 My home is certainly one of the places I like to let it shine.

 A bit of whimsy can make the entire space.

I've always loved color and texture and now that I finally feel like

 I can express  myself, I am trying to become more fearless in using it.

 On a whim, I'l stitch up  a pillow or cover a lampshade with a fabric I like.

 

 I have no problem putting fun things in my home

 or covering my girls room in paper butterflies. 

It's only decorating, not life or death. 

Decorating should be a fun, organic process. Be creative, take risks.

 If you hate it, just change it. It will make you love your home so much more.

Jennifer D. Rizzo

Artist/ Freelance writer
http://www.jenniferrizzo.com

Etsy: Jenniferrizzo

"Jen, your artistic expression always inspires me!! Thank you so much for sharing!"

Well, I have to say I am sad to see my company go. :(  The good thing...you can visit them anytime at their blogs!  I just want to say "Thank You" again to all of my guests and for taking the time to share here! I loved seeing so many different ways others interpret whimsy in designing their homes.  

I will be back on Monday to share the winner of my surprise giveaway! It is has lots of whimsy finds and I know who ever wins it will love it! You still have time to enter.  All you have to do...leave a comment on each guest post this week and it will give you a chance to have 4 entries!

Our vacation has come to a close and we will be back in our beds tonight...revitalized with a zest to

get back to work! :)

Till next week friends,

Hugs!!

Tatertots and Jello...

 Jen@Tatertots and Jello is here to share all about her whimsy style in her home today!  We are still on vacation and happy to say the open road has finally led us to some sunshine in Las Vegas!  We will be here for a few more days then on to Home Sweet Home!  Enjoy friends....

Hi there!! I'm Jen from Tatertots and Jello

I’m so excited to be here at Victoria’s beautiful blog. I just adore her and I love her ideas and style!

Victoria asked me to share some of my idea on decorating with whimsy.

I just love color and I think that is probably how I add whimsy to my home.

Like these Ruffled Pillows…

You may know that I love pennants, and I have quite a few in my home. Like my pantry…

And in my Dining Room that I turned into my Office…

Making Subway Art….

Even turning coffee filters and tissue paper into whimsical Spring decorations…

Thanks for letting me stop by! It’s been wonderful.

Come by for a visit sometime @ Tatertots and Jello!!

Jennifer Hadfield
tatertotsandjello.com
thecsiproject.com

"Thank you Jen!  You have such great creativity and I LOVE the fun projects you are always doing in your home!"

I have one more guest popping over tomorrow!  It has been such a fun week to see how everyone uses whimsy in their homes.  It really does add to design and keeps it unique! 

If you missed any of the other guest bloggers this week, here are the other fun posts you might have missed:

The Inspired Room

WhisperWood Cottage 

Don't forget about the giveaway going on here! Through my travels on vacation, I have been picking up all kind of unique goodies for a surprise package that will be revealed on Monday, March 28th 2011!  All you have to do to enter..leave lots of love for our company!  If you visit each post and leave a comment...it gives you an entry.  You can have up to 4 enteries.

I am off to enjoy some sun while I can! :)

WhisperWood Cottage...

Hi, Whimsy fans! This is Amy from WhisperWood Cottage. I'm honored to be here at Whimsy by Victoria! When Victoria asked me to guest post, I automatically said, "yes!" Then the reality set in. Did she say something about whimsy? WHIMSY? What is whimsy? Am I whimsical? Do I know enough to post about whimsical things? The panic set in.

After taking a deep breath, I did what all good bloggers do. I googled. And here's what I came up with...

So, with that definition, I wondered if WhisperWood Cottage is...

• Capricious? Um. That doesn't describe me or my style. 
• Extravagant? Not really...I like thrifty finds and uncluttered spaces.
• Fanciful. No, I'm rather traditional and pragmatic, but I like some pretty mixed in here and there.
• Excessively playful? Playful, yes, but not excessively.
• Odd? Are we talking about my style or me? :) Now, I do use some odd or unique pieces...and usually vintage or antique...throughout the cottage.

WhisperWood Cottage might not be outright whimsical, but I think it can still qualify! Here are some odd, unique, and somewhat playful pieces that we've used throughout the cottage...

WHIMSICAL SIGNS

I L.O.V.E. signs! Especially vintage signs! I love them in every room in the house. Here are a few that make me smile each time I see them...

Vintage church sign in the master bedroom.

Vintage Greyhound bus sign in the guest room.

Hand-inked depression-era sign above the kitchen window.

A simple greeting card with a powerful message framed by a vintage toaster.

WHIMSICAL DOORS

One of my favorite projects ever was the master bedroom makeover. Two salvaged university doors became barn-style doors on the closet and the master bathroom with the addition of antique barn track and trolley pieces.

A salvaged university door turned barn-style door for the master bedroom closet.

Using antique track and trolley salvaged from an 1800s barn in southern Wisconsin.

A ship's key and leather fob just for a fun detail in the keyhole.

WHIMSICAL DETAILS

I guess I've also used a few pieces around the house from time to time that could be considered unexpected or whimsical. When entertaining, gifting, or decorating, adding a simple unexpected touch makes it a little more fun!

An old LP used for a table setting.

Crystals from a chandelier turned cabinet knob.

Craft paper and a wall stencil to make my own whimsical wrapping paper.

With all that said, does WhisperWood Cottage style qualify as whimsical? I imagine that most people have at least a touch of whimsy in their home. I also imagine that there are different forms of whimsy. What collections, pieces, colors, or creations do you use to add whimsy to your home?

Thanks, Victoria, for letting me stop in for a visit!! I enjoyed meeting all your guests. All of you are welcome to stop by WhisperWood Cottage any time!

Thank you Amy! I love her style and definitely thinks she has whimsy in her home!  

Now that our company has arrived, that also means it's giveaway time!! Yay!

 Please welcome Amy and share your whimsy thoughts and love...every time you leave a comment on each guest post for the next 4 days, it gives you an entry to win my surprise package!!

 It's that easy! 

*source*

 A wonderful package full of whimsy! 

I will share who the lucky reader is and what they won on Monday, March 28th, 2011! 

Be back tomorrow with another great guest!!