One year ago when I started my blog, I only had two goals. One, to write something about design nearly every day. And, two, to be inspiring to you. I did not know about followers, stats, tags, links, comments or language translation buttons. I did not anticipate connecting or engaging. I did not expect talent or intelligence. To say the least, I was clueless, and most of my ignorance was based on only one other social media experience. The amount of blogging spirit and knowledge that I have acquired in the last year is amazing to me!

I wanted to start the blog because at the time, I was writing my magazine column, and although I was very grateful to write one article every other month for our small local community, I wanted to write more often and to give to the larger global community.

But the most important and unexpected benefit is true and meaningful virtual friendship. This term used to be an oxymoron, but not any more! I never even imagined that I would meet people and share common goals, talents and values. I never imagined that I would be inspired!

The amount of talent that I’ve encountered here on the blog is just astounding. In particular I would like to introduce you to three ladies, if you do not already know them. We share the common talents of art and creativity. Our common goals are to grow our small businesses and to take our art out into the world.

  • Meet Camilla from Denmark, who makes beautiful and sustainable cashmere and bamboo scarves and throws.
  • Ilse is a professional illustrator and designer in the Netherlands who creates fabulously fun and fresh textiles inspired by nature.
  • Jeannie and her husband Richard handcraft exquisite chainmaille jewelry in their Singapore studio.
  • In Athens, professional graphic designer Marina creates the most amazing fine art watercolors, and from her paintings, lovely gifts and accessories.
  • And, as you know I am a commercial interior designer in Texas, USA, and I too am turning my paintings into home accessories.

I have painted watercolor for years but learned recently from Marina how to create the product in this modern technological age. I learned from Jeannie how to market, from Camilla how to pair product with our virtual friends’ accessories. From Ilse, I learned more about designing textiles online, where to go and how-to. And from Marina, I learned how to open my heart to the world because, in my mad rush through time, she takes the time to enjoy engaging.

So, in celebration of my one-year blogging anniversary, I am proud to offer you six style boards showcasing each of our talents!

IS Plum

IS Beige Aqua

IS Blue Charcoal

IS Blue Green

IS Pink Green

IS Pink Orange

Be sure to visit:

Honestly, isn’t technology incredible?!

There are many, many other bloggers I have been inspired by. Here are just a few (in no particular order):

And especially my husband, Jack, for sharing in this most exciting adventure!

On this very happy note, I am giving myself permission to unplug for the rest of this week. I want to figure out my new blogging goals for the coming year and decide what I want to say. I will see you all next Monday!

Thank you all so much for visiting!

Patricia
xo

I really enjoyed creating this collection and making my presentation boards on Polyvore.  You can click here to see them all. There are some on my Pinterest boards as well and I hope you’ll join me there.

 Shop Patricia’s Gift Boutique

Twitter     ::      Pinterest      ::      Facebook      ::      StumbleUpon      ::      deCamville Design

Sources:  Patricia’s Gift Boutique and Polyvore 

Patricia Canfield is a registered interior designer, NCIDQ-certified, and Founder/Owner of deCamville Design, a full-service commercial interior design and architecture consulting firm established in 2000. She and her architect husband, Jack live in Texas with Tito the Cat, although she and her team are available for commercial projects anywhere in the world. She thanks you for reading her blog.