Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Our favorite mother-daughter duo has launched an exclusive fabric collection: Serena Fresson Fabrics, designed by Serena Fresson for Mrs. Alice. The collection perfectly showcases Serena’s distinct eye, blending her lifelong love of colour with inspiration from classic English Country House design. Each fabric has been thoughtfully executed making for an impeccable addition to any home. It is no wonder we are clamoring to get our hands on every print!
Click here to take a tour of Serena’s gorgeous home, and follow @serena_fresson on Instagram.
With Summer quickly approaching, we have gardening on our minds. While digging in the dirt, sorting seeds, and sweating over a wheelbarrow isn’t exactly glamorous, we always believe in adding a bit of chic to even the most arduous task. Below, we have rounded up the loveliest gardening accessories around to make pruning the rose bush more palatable this year.
Chic Garden Style
And speaking of chic gardening… Paula Sutton – the English rose who single handedly turned gardening in a frock into an art form, creating an Instagram sensation with her joie de vivre in the English countryside – has released her first book – Hill House Living: The Art of Creating a Joyful Life. It is a gorgeous guide to the simple pleasures of cottage living—antique hunting, gardening, and enjoying the seasons—from a beloved British design and fashion influencer. You can tour Paula’s home here, and follow her @hillhousevintage on Instagram.
From interior design to fabulously fun fabrics to home goods – and of course the illustrious design legend herself – we simply cannot get enough of all things Sister Parish. This spring, the iconic brand has knocked it out of the park with a new rug collaboration, Sister Parish x Tibetano. With each one more marvelous than the next, the hand-woven flat weave collection is made to withstand time. Luxurious yet simplistic, carpets will be offered direct to the trade.
Mytheresa, an industry leader in the world of online luxury fashion and retail, just introduced “Life,” an elevated selection of home décor and other lifestyle products. From furniture to tablescape, the retailer’s latest expansion is quickly becoming a go-to resource for home shopping. Launching with 60 carefully curated brands, Mytheresa offers something to suit everyone, from minimalists to maximalists.
A sampling of their delightful new offerings below…
One of our favorite New Yorkers and photographers, Susan Kaufman will be releasing her first book Walk with Me New York on May 24th with a celebration at Hudson Grace in the West Village. A prolific photographer, creative, and New Yorker, Susan captures the beauty of the city like no other. Each photograph tells a story and often reminds one to pause and observe everyday spaces frequently overlooked. From Instagram to the glossy pages of print, Susan’s book is a must have. If you find yourself in New York May 24th, stop by Hudson Grace at 405 Bleecker Street from 6-8pm for a signed copy.
Last summer we featured the work of Atlanta-based designer Lauren E. Lowe, founder of Lauren Elaine Interiors, for a Style Profile Q&A. We are huge fans of her classic, Grandmillennial style and were delighted to see her new home featured earlier this year in House Beautiful! Today, Lauren is sharing some extra, previously unpublished pictures with The Glam Pad!
One of the first things Lauren did was to add a lot of bright white paint and add windows to bring in natural light. She sorted through her previous home’s furnishings, editing and filling in with other pieces she had collected over the years. Lauren layered the rooms with a mix of antiques, vintage furniture, contemporary and traditional art, and antique Persian Rugs. She added lots of color with fun prints and patterns, creating a kid-friendly, Grandmillennial paradise.
Let’s take a tour with photography by Emily J. Followill.
Reese Witherspoon has famously said, “My sheets are monogrammed, so is my silverware and pretty much everything else I own. My rule is, if it’s not moving — monogram it!” From their ancient beginnings to modern times, monograms have played an integral role throughout history.
As early as 350BC, many of the early Greek and Roman coins were marked with the ruler’s monogram as a form of authentication. Royalty and military leaders symbolized their position and influence by using monograms to mark government buildings, identify objects belonging to the ruler in power, authenticate official documents, etc. In the Victorian era, aristocratic families began using custom monograms to mark their table linens, cutlery, and other household goods as a sign of prestige. Soon every household boasted their own form of monogram styles from embroidered monogram letters for noblemen to simple personalized stamps for the lower class.
Today, technology has made monogramming affordable and accessible to almost everyone. While aspiration may still play a role, monogramming is now considered a personal creative expression having very little to do with social position or wealth. Thanks to mass production, they have become ubiquitous. You no longer need to be an artisan to monogram, just plug your initials into the computer and go. This left me wanting something more unique… Something personal I could use that no one else would have. So when I met Nancy Sharon Collins, I immediately knew I simply had to have her create my very own bespoke monogram.
Nancy Sharon Collins is the country’s leading expert on engraved social stationery and founder of the eponymous Nancy Sharon Collins, Stationer LLC. She fell in love with etching while taking a printmaking class as an undergraduate and went on to receive a BFA and MFA in graphic design.
The unfolding field of digital graphic design in the 1990s broke her heart, she says. “Imagine: there I was in my Soho, NYC studio when the methods and procedures, materials and supplies, the business relationships I’d assiduously studied, garnered, and learned developing my career became suddenly obsolete. Whole industries such as typesetting, film photography, film and print retouching, color separating, plate-making, and engraving were literally put out of business by desktop publishing. Sad but true.”
Realizing she had to adapt or perish, Nancy began offering digital graphic design catering to clients such as MOMA, Bergdorf Goodman, Williams-Sonoma, and Clinique. But to save her creative soul, by night she turned to Nancy Sharon Collins, Stationer, specializing in bespoke hand engraved social stationery.
Not only does Nancy create beautiful custom stationery, but she also creates the absolute most exquisite monograms and ciphers handmade from scratch… Literally scratching with a graphite pencil on tracing paper. You can learn more about her highly interactive process here.
Over the years, many fashion labels have created their own monogram of their company initials, such as LV of Louis Vuitton, YSL of Yves Saint Laurent, the mirrored “C”s of Chanel, and Gucci’s double “G”s. These easily recognizable custom monograms are an easy way for fashion houses to brand themselves and differentiate their products from competitors. And custom monograms can now be used to create your own unique brand. Monograms are an increasingly popular branding design trend in 2022. Of course, Nancy offers corporate branding expertise, but in today’s digital, social media-driven world, creating a personal brand is more important than ever. Distinguishing yourself with a bespoke one-of-a-kind monogram is a cutting-edge, yet nostalgic, way to stand out from the pack.
“The idea is that the Bespoke Monogram (from me) is an investment. In time and cost. It should be used for everything,” said Nancy. “Back in the day, it was the one single mark to identify one’s possessions. Artists have one mark that is called an artist’s monogram. Kings and queens and monarchs had and have theirs on everything from saddles to linens to carriage stones! Think napkins and tablecloths and hankies and fine china and silverware and even Hermes handbags… One’s monogram should be the forever mark on everything!”
Here is one example from Richmond, VA sent to Nancy yesterday…
Click here to learn more about commissioning a bespoke monogram from Nancy. And in closing, I am thrilled to share the stunning monogram she made for me, which I simply could not love more! First, here are some mood boards Nancy created after I completed her “13 Questions” exercise.
And my gorgeous monogram!! It is truly a work of art, and this just the initial sketch… Next it will be turned into a Vector design graphic, and then engraved upon a copper plate. 🙂 The design was inspired by an Austrian design from the 1920s. I’m obsessed with the “hearts”!
Thank you, Nancy, for creating this treasure for me that I will use on everything for the rest of my life! Having something so beautiful, made just for me, makes me feel like a Queen.
This concludes our six-week letter writing series.
THE GLAM PAD’S LETTER WRITING SERIES
Below is an outline of The Glam Pad’s six-week series on the art of letter writing, and all that is related to the subject…
APRIL 8: Why hand-written letters and fine stationery (and calling cards!) are making a comeback, particularly among the Millennial generation. CLICK HERE TO READ
APRIL 22: An overview of resources for fine stationery. What pieces do today’s letter writing enthusiasts need in their wardrobe and why? CLICK HERE TO READ
April 29: A fabulously fun trend… Vintage stamps! How to begin a collection and use them to personalize your correspondence. CLICK HERE TO READ
MAY 6: Why cursive handwriting is making a comeback, and what you can do to learn or improve. CLICK HERE TO READ
MAY 13: The ultimate in customization – A bespoke monogram and stationery created by Nancy Sharon Collins.
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry this week.
It is not every day an icon of design shares their insider approach but thanks to Schumacher, industry legend Bunny Williams has revealed her tips, tricks, and favorites on bed making. An often-overlooked art, Bunny shows how to arrange a perfectly coiffed bed all while mixing and matching linens. Recently released through Frederic Magazine’s series Tricks of the Trade, the “bunny” bed comes to life.
We also loved learning design legend Charlotte Moss’ favorite roses via Veranda. Her top pick, Belinda’s Dream, is our founder Andrea’s favorite too. And if you don’t have it already, we highly recommend Charlotte’s recent book, Flowers… it is a visual feast for the eyes.
May 10th through May 20th NYC x Design will be in full swing. Entering its 10th year, NYC x Design showcases top New York-based artists and designers. Through creative events, parties, and other gatherings, the festival boasts exciting new ideas, products, and concepts. If you seek the pulse of the industry, NYC x Design will be a must.
We’re loving the new Sister Parish Design x Artemis collection of shoes and totes. Iconic Sister Parish patterns in ultra durable performance weaves are featured in a very special limited edition collaboration. Click here to shop.
Charleston based design and lifestyle expert Julia Berolzheimer has launched her much-anticipated collection with Pottery Barn, Julia Berolzheimer x Pottery Barn. Each piece perfectly encompasses Julia’s impeccable and effortless style. With superb outdoor pieces, tableware, furniture, and bed linens, the collaboration blends in seamlessly within itself. Each item is ideal for Spring spruce up around the house. We cannot wait to get our hands on every piece!
In a nail-biting race on Saturday evening, the Kentucky Derby has come and gone once again. As much as we loved watching, we adored gawking at the fabulous fascinators and hats much more. The spectacle has us inspired to get back into headwear. Shop some of our favorite hats of the season below.
It’s hard to believe it has been almost three years since my family and I moved back to Dallas after an eight-year stopover in Florida. There are so many incredible interior designers in Big D, and it has been so much fun getting to know them and exploring their portfolios. Today, The Glam Pad is delighted to welcome Sara Johnson, founder of Sara Johnson Interiors, for a Style Profile Q&A. Despite being a native Texan, Sara’s classic style offers a nod to the East Coast, an homage to her family’s roots. She loves blending items, both old and new, and layering in textures, patterns, and colors to create a rich, revived, and edited look. Fun Fact: Sara and I both began college at SMU as journalism majors before making our way into the world of interior design. 🙂 Welcome, Sara!
Sara Johnson
Q: When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in interior design, and what did your career path look like?
A: I have always had an eye for design and architecture throughout my childhood. As a matter of fact, I chose SMU because of its architecture and the architecture and gardens of neighboring homes. Crazy but true! At SMU, I majored in broadcast journalism with high hopes of becoming the next Katie Couric, all the while keeping my dorm and off campus housing perfectly designed. After I graduated, a real estate opportunity arose to flip some condos near SMU, and the success of this endeavor solidified for me that my true love is in home design and decor. I sold homes for many years before forming Sara Johnson Interiors, focusing on design but always keep real estate assets in mind.
Q: How do you define your style and how has it evolved over the years?
A: I have always been very inspired by New England architecture and design. I spent my childhood summers in Stonington, CT, where my grandparents lived. The coastal, Connecticut homes influence my design and always create a sense of “home” for me. My style is comfortable and livable; traditional and a little modern; a mix of old and new; tailored and sophisticated.
Q: How do you ensure that your designs stand the test of time?
A: Design should always stand the test of time. Ideally, I like to incorporate as much existing furniture, artwork and/or collections a client has; especially if it has sentimental value or tells a story. I can easily breathe new life into existing furniture, and the story it tells or the sentiment it brings is what stands the test of time.
Q: Who are your favorite interior designers, past and present?
A: Jeffrey Bilhuber, Alessandra Branca, Andrew Howard
Q: Do you have any favorite go-to paints, wallpapers , linens, artists, etc.?
A: Thibaut wallpapers are usually my go-to as they are a good price point, which my client’s appreciate, there are a lot of choices, and installation is not complicated. For a high-gloss paint, I turn to Fine Paints of Europe. For tried-and-true paint colors, I love Farrow and Ball. Linens I typically keep simple, but a pop of D. Porthault is always fun! And for art, I like to commission pieces by up and coming artists.
Q: Has Covid changed the way your clients live, and what requests are you receiving as a result?
A: Definitely! For a long time, “open concept” living areas has been preferred, but with so much togetherness during COVID, clients now appreciate more defined and intimate spaces. And, not surprisingly, the home office is becoming a must have.
Q: What are some of your favorite collections and treasures within your own home?
A: My great-grandmother’s Baccarat chandelier that we transported from Connecticut and resized to fit in my dining room; a collection of sterling silver baby cups that were mine and my boys’, artwork we purchased from a local artist in Taos, NM, where we used to own a mountain home; and our beautiful wrought iron bed that we received as a wedding gift from my parents.
Q: What are 5 everyday luxuries you could not live without?
A: Down filled pillows, a steam shower, a turfed backyard so no more muddy shoes from my boys, Nest thermostat, and Amazon.
Q: When you aren’t busy designing, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Estate sales and treasure hunting, afternoon naps, and watching my boys in their sports.
Sara’s beautiful 1930s Highland Park home she and her husband lovingly restored.
Thank you, Sara, for joining us today! Such a beautiful, timeless, and inspiring portfolio. To learn more about Sara Johnson Interiors, please visit sarajohnsoninteriors.com and follow @sarajohnsoninteriors on Instagram for ongoing inspiration.
In the first installment of our series on letter-writing, I made quite the confession. I do not know how to write in cursive. Much to the shock and horror of those my elder, I was never taught. A misfortune of modern schooling, cursive is no longer a taught subject and is even looked upon as passe. I suppose it was once imagined children of my generation would never need to use a pen and paper. Oh, l’ironie!
Throughout my childhood and teenage years, this posed no issue. My fingers are quick as lightning on a keyboard, and I can troubleshoot just about any technological malfunction. Now in my early adult years, I am utterly embarrassed by my penmanship. I recall the exact moment in which I realized the profound impact of my poor script. In the early days of my career, I was an intern at John Rosselli & Associates. The holidays were quickly approaching, and I was tasked with penning each Christmas card to be sent around the globe to various industry leaders and patrons alike. My stomach dropped and a sweat overcame my entire being. Giving it my all and many a deep breath I inscribed the first few notes. They were pitiful! With one glance from my supervisor of my grisly script, I was pulled from the chore.
image credit: @inkandpressco (learn more about the popularity of vintage stamps here)
Since this moment I have made a fierce point of improving my penmanship. With my newly found gravitation towards letter writing and the resurgence of its use, my efforts have rendered beneficial. Altering one’s handwriting and acquiring a cursive skillset is no easy task.
Through my assiduous attempt at improving my longhand, I have picked up a few tricks. Take a peek at my top tips…
If you are a young adult like me who never learned cursive or maybe, you seek an improvement I encourage you to print out a stack of children’s letter trace worksheets. They are a godsend.
Repetition is key! It may seem abecedarian to repeatably pen the letters of the alphabet, but this is the progress that engrains muscle memory. I now find myself writing out each letter on scrap paper or in my notebook while on the telephone.
Find a style of cursive that captures your eye and adopt it. Over time your hand will adjust and it will become your own.
If I have not yet convinced you to pull out a pen and a pad of paper, then let’s turn to cursive expert Younghae Chung of Logos Calligraphy. Younghae is the author of Classic Calligraphy for Beginners (pre-order now) and is a highly sought calligraphy and cursive teacher with nearly 120K followers on Instagram. The Glam Pad had the good fortune of connecting with Younghae for a Q&A, and she is here to answer our burning cursive questions…
Welcome, Younghae!
TGP: Please tell me about your mission to keep cursive alive, and why it is important.
Younghae: “Handwriting is an imprint of the self on a page” – Dr. Rosemary Sassoon
Although modern technology is increasing and rapidly growing in our society today, I believe it cannot replace the value and benefits of handwriting. Studies have linked handwriting to fine motor skills, brain development, creativity, composition, and more. As a mom of 3 boys, not only have I personally seen these benefits in teaching cursive to my kids, but I find that cursive can be enjoyed through ALL generations (children, parents, grandparents).
I recently received a message that said “She (a middle school student) was telling me how she loves handwriting notes because, in middle school, everyone uses laptops”. Perhaps with the decline in teaching cursive in schools, it has also piqued a greater interest in the younger generation!
TGP: What do your clients typically seek to gain from your services?
Younghae: Currently, I offer online calligraphy courses, resources (downloadable workbooks, practice pads), and workshops to help promote and share my love for penmanship and arts.
Since 2016, I’ve had the opportunity to teach thousands of students ranging from their 20s to 70s from all over the world. On occasion, I will work with clients and brands to offer custom commission pieces.
TGP: How does one who only knows print begin? How about someone who knows cursive but is rusty and wants to improve?
Younghae: Whether you are an absolute beginner or want to improve your cursive, you can get started now with my cursive digital workbooks. These extensive self-study cursive workbooks include an introductory guide (history of cursive, basic strokes, exemplar, how to use guide sheets), 60+ pages of traceable sheets with instructional notes to guide you through the letterforms and practice words/numbers.
*Note – The cursive letters that I teach are a simplified form of Spencerian and were developed by Austin Norman Palmer in the late 1800s. The letters will be on a 52-degree slant with a 30-degree connective slant. Because the letters are similar, learning cursive will be a great springboard to learning Spencerian.
TGP: How do you decide between which course to take – cursive, Spencerian, or Copperplate?
Younghae: Cursive is a monoline script that can be written with any writing tool (pencil, pen, marker, fountain pen, glass pen) whereas Copperplate/Spencerian are pointed pen shaded calligraphy scripts. With Copperplate/Spencerian, we will be writing with a metal, pointed, flexible nib to create beautiful thicks and thins.
Comparison between Cursive & Spencerian, image credit: Younghae Chung
I would encourage you to look at each one and see what script you are drawn to! Copperplate/Spencerian will have a slightly bigger learning curve if you have no experience writing with a pointed nib.
TGP: Which course would you recommend for someone who simply wants to improve their letter/correspondence writing skills, and what pens/tools do you recommend?
Younghae: If you want to improve your handwriting for correspondence, I encourage you to begin with cursive! I recommend either a 0.5 or 0.7mm mechanical pencil or gel pens to start.
Thank you Younghae for your expertise. And now, get those pens moving!
x Natalie
Side Note: There is good news that in many states across the U.S., cursive is experiencing a resurgence in the classroom. If you are interested in further explanation as to why cursive was eliminated from schools, the arguments for and against, and what is being done to bring it back, Reader’s Digest published an excellent primer in March 2022, which you can read here.
Please tune in next Friday for our final installment of our six-week series on letter-writing!
Below is an outline of The Glam Pad’s six-week series on the art of letter writing, and all that is related to the subject… Stay tuned next week as Natalie shares tips on cursive handwriting!
APRIL 8: Why hand-written letters and fine stationery (and calling cards!) are making a comeback, particularly among the Millennial generation. CLICK HERE TO READ
APRIL 22: An overview of resources for fine stationery. What pieces do today’s letter writing enthusiasts need in their wardrobe and why? CLICK HERE TO READ
April 29: A fabulously fun trend… Vintage stamps! How to begin a collection and use them to personalize your correspondence. CLICK HERE TO READ
MAY 6: Why cursive handwriting is making a comeback, and what you can do to learn or improve.
MAY 13: The ultimate in customization – A bespoke monogram and stationery created by Nancy Sharon Collins.
Welcome to The Glam Pad’s first edition of TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and musings relevant to the design industry each week…
Sarah Flint and Gracie have collaborated to create a match made in heaven…. the Sarah Flint x Gracie collection of shoes showcasing exquisite Chinoiserie patterns from Gracie. There are four styles and two colors available: gold and peacock. Shop quickly, because these are selling FAST!
Kimberly Schlegel Whitman unveiled her new partnership with Dillard’s this week. To no surprise, we would like one of everything. This collection boasts classically feminine silhouettes in stunning floral prints and springy hues for women and girls. Just in time for the warming weather!
If that was not stellar enough, Kimberly also launched her latest book with co-author Shelley Johnstone, A Loving Table: Creating Memorable Gatherings. If the stunning Shocking Pink cover doesn’t draw you in, the contents certainly will! Stay tuned for our review.
Mark Sikes’ new partnership with Anthropologie has been on our mind all week! With festive gatherings of friends and family on the horizon we are clamoring for new tableware and décor to spruce up the home. Mark’s collection packs a punch while remaining true to his stylistic roots.
Hosted by the Cultural Counselor of the French Embassy and Galerie Kugel, Villa Albertine presents Tastemakers: The 18th Century French Luxury Market and the Global Art Trade. On view from May 4th – May 8th in the historic Payne Whitney Mansion located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the exhibit features 18th Century treasures unlike any other.
The Annual Park Cities Preservation Home Tour 2022 kicked off on May 2 with a bang. Offering a glimpse into some of the most beautiful homes, the event works to support the preservation of neighborhoods in the Park Cities area. From small cottages to larger estates, the annual home tour shares common value with The Glam Pad: appreciation of history, tradition, and beauty. The tour is online only and is in full swing May 2 – 8. Click here to learn more and purchase a ticket… with the online format, you can join the tour from anywhere in the world!
We could not report on the first week of May without including The Met Gala. Much too our dismay, we were rather disappointed in this year’s red-carpet assemblage. Une terrible misère! Check out the video below for a recap of the good, bad, and ugly.
Have an idea for an upcoming edition of TGP Tidbits? Click here to submit!
Yesterday was Lily of the Valley Day (La Fête du Muguet). This is a holiday in France celebrated by giving Lily of the Valley bouquets to friends and loved ones to wish them happiness and good luck in celebration of the arrival of spring. The story goes back to 1560 when a knight named Louis Girard gave King Charles IX a bouquet of Lily of the Valley for luck and prosperity for the coming year. From then on King Charles IX would give the ladies of his court Lily of the Valley bouquets every year on May 1st to spread this good fortune.
Lily of the Valley is supposed to bring luck in love, and has been seen in many royal wedding bouquets including those of Queen Victoria, Princess Astrid of Sweden, Grace Kelly, and Kate Middleton. It can also symbolize purity, sweetness, sincerity, youth, and motherhood. Each year, in honor of this lovely tradition, The Glam Pad celebrates by featuring ways to bring a a little lily of the valley into your life.
Hello, my name is Andrea, and I’m a stampoholic. In fact, my recent obsession is partly what drove The Glam Pad’s motivation for this six-week letter writing series (you can get caught up here, here, and here)! It started with a beautiful note I received in the mail from Bethany Berk, founder of Marchioness Home & Garden. On the envelope were six beautifully curated vintage stamps. Then I received Bethany’s vintage-stamped Christmas card. Fast forward to this spring when fellow Dallas blogger Albertina Cisneros of @mimosalaneblog invited me to a luncheon event at her lovely home… The charming stamps gracing the envelope were the final straw. I fell down the rabbit hole.
Chances are, if you spend time on Pinterest or Instagram, you have stumbled upon pictures of beautiful wedding invitations boasting exquisite calligraphy or hand-addressing and an assortment of equally delightful stamps. These intriguing images have helped inspire an entirely new generation of stamp collectors and create a chic new industry of online stamp vendors. With stationery sales on the rise largely due to Covid and renewed interest fueled by the millennial generation, vintage stamps are no longer reserved for scrap books or special announcements, but are becoming a popular trend in everyday letter writing.
Once you have taken up the lost art of letter writing, invested in beautiful custom stationery, dusted off your penmanship skills, thoughtfully crafted your note and addressed your envelope, an assortment of carefully selected vintage stamps are the cherry on top of a sundae.
“Stamps are the very first thing you notice when receiving a piece of mail, whether it be a letter from a friend or a wedding invitation,” Patrick Dea, stamp collector and owner of Edelweiss Post, told MarthaStewart.com. “There is just something captivating about these tiny pieces of art and history. By selecting just the right stamps, you are adding both beauty and meaning to your mail.” This became even more important during the days of social distancing, he said.
Gracie Cote, founder of @enfieldpost specializes in finding and compiling sets of unused vintage postage for special occasions and everyday use. She says, “In the age of emails and texts, letter writing has become a special art. Postage stamps are mini-artworks that bring a touch of personality and charm to all the news they carry; with a well-designed envelope, wedding and party invitations, get well cards, or simple ‘saying hello’ notes become exponentially more special in a recipient’s mailbox.”
Gracie is currently working exclusively with stationers in creating bespoke sets, but she also has a beautiful selection of individual stamps available for sale via her website and Etsy. One stationer who works with Gracie in selecting stamps for her bridal clients is Mikyla Marie Manu of @inkandpressco. Mikyla said, “It is always such a joy to curate these collections together with Grace of @enfieldpost. In a way, I feel like we’re curating a mini gallery exhibit for a fine art museum that is an envelope!”
As you know, The Glam Pad is a proponent of reviving and promoting “old fashioned” traditions, and up until recently, stamp collecting (philately) was considered a dying hobby. According to the American Philatelic Society, the average stamp collector is more than 60 years old, as younger generations lost interest in stamps in favor of social media. However around 2020, things began to change. The Guardian reported a renewal in the industry stating, “Philately is gaining popularity among millennials, many of whom see the creative pursuit as an escape from their screen-based lives.” Millennial Suzanne Rae, chairman of the Philatelic Traders Society, told the publication, “Philately is tangible: it’s relaxing and unplugged. It’s also very Instagrammable. Twitter and Instagram enable young collectors to find people like them and see that it’s not only a geeky old man’s pursuit.”
This renewed interest may also be fueled by “romantic notions of pre-digital life,” continues The Guardian. Stamp collecting offers Millennials and Generation Y a nostalgic link with the past. As The Glam Pad wrote in The Resurgence of Stationery, these are the same generations snapping up vintage typewriters, vinyl records, and Polaroid cameras, all while needlepointing pillows and decorating their homes in Grandmillennial “Granny Chic” style. Everything old is new again.
Stamp collecting was at the height of popularity from the 1930s to 1970s. My mother collected stamps. So did Patrick Dea’s grandfather… and now it’s back with a fresh new twist. In closing, Patrick perfectly summarizes the modern face of philately. He states:
“But unlike Grandpa who kept his collection buried in thick catalogs and dusty boxes deep inside his study, I want to share my vintage stamps, dispatching them through the postal system and beyond, with your help. Grandpa explored the world through his stamps but I want to share my stamps with the world.
The internet, for all its efficiency and convenience, has made communication something you cannot touch, cling to, keep, and pass down. When is the last time you received a thoughtful hand-written letter, a tactile note or a party invitation in your physical mailbox?
Postage is a beautiful but dying art form. Our mailboxes have been relegated to the status of junk depositories and checking the mail has become a chore rather than the adventure it once was, fueled by anticipation. I want to help change all this in my own little way… and I’m thinking maybe you do too.” ~ Patrick Dea, Edelweiss Post
Who else wants to play along?! Below are some resources for starting your own stamp collection. The Glam Pad is encouraging the hashtag #showmeyourstamps on Instagram… Use the hashtag and tag us @theglampad, and we will post your stamp curations via our Stories! Warning… this is a highly addictive hobby! 🙂
Also, you will want this glue to adhere your vintage perforated stamps.
NOTE: U.S. postage never expires; you can use existing unused stamps indefinitely. All postage stamps issued by the United States since 1860 are valid for postage. You just need to make sure it adds up to cover current postage rates.
Shop the Look:
THE GLAM PAD’S LETTER WRITING SERIES
Below is an outline of The Glam Pad’s six-week series on the art of letter writing, and all that is related to the subject… Stay tuned next week as Natalie shares tips on cursive handwriting!
APRIL 8: Why hand-written letters and fine stationery (and calling cards!) are making a comeback, particularly among the Millennial generation. CLICK HERE TO READ
APRIL 22: An overview of resources for fine stationery. What pieces do today’s letter writing enthusiasts need in their wardrobe and why? CLICK HERE TO READ
April 29: A fabulously fun trend… Vintage stamps! How to begin a collection and use them to personalize your correspondence.
MAY 6: Why cursive handwriting is making a comeback, and what you can do to learn or improve.
MAY 13: The ultimate in customization – A bespoke monogram and stationery created by Nancy Sharon Collins.
Last month, my family and I welcomed a precious French Bulldog, Riley, into our home. It has been a while since we’ve had a puppy, and I had forgotten how much work it can be. I also forgot what a challenge it is to find pretty furnishings and accessories for pets! Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some highlights from my search to bring a touch of elegance into our home to suit our new puppy.
The Glam Pad always loves supporting family and women-owned businesses, particularly ones with a passion for interior design. So I was delighted to meet Paige Wilson, a fellow Texan who developed the incredibly chic Pretty Kennels in her search to replace the ubiquitous wire pet crate… Immediately, I fell for these custom Lucite creations! Beautiful and chic, they are truly works of art. Pretty Kennels can be used as furniture – end tables, night stands, etc. – throughout the home, while offering your pet a light and airy personal den. The patented, transparent kennels provide unobstructed views along with a definite touch of Art Deco Hollywood Glamour.
Today, we are delighted to welcome Paige Wilson for a Q&A and tour of her beautiful home… Welcome, Paige!
Paige Wilson with her husband, Kevin, and their three Chihuahuas
Q: What was the inspiration for creating Pretty Kennels and establishing your business?
A: I created Pretty Kennels out of necessity about 6 years ago. We have chihuahuas, and they’re definitely den creatures and love their kennels. We lived in a small house and the typical black wire crates were killing the vibe in our living room. I was inspired by Jonathan Adler who was really showcasing acrylic furniture at that time and also the Vetro crib. It was the “it” crib coveted by celebs, and my dogs are my babies, so it made sense.
Q: Your home is so beautiful! How did you become interested in interior design?
A: Thank you! I’ve always loved decorating since I was a kid! I loved going to the mall and looking at all the comforter sets in the department stores or flipping through catalogs and seeing all the princess canopy beds. When I got my first apartment in college, I painted my living room in soft yellow and green stripes modeled after a suite I once saw on “Great Hotels with Samantha Brown.” My favorite way to procrastinate was by picking up the latest copies of Veranda, House Beautiful and Elle Décor. I’d eat a bag of Twizzlers and get lost thumbing through the dreamy designer pages.
Q: How do you describe your style?
A: Fun, feminine and always evolving. I tend to lean towards a traditional aesthetic. I love color, but I can’t be tied to one when there are so many beautiful shades to explore. That’s one of the reasons why I made Pretty Kennels clear, so they’ll go with anything forever!
Q: What are some of the ways Pretty Kennels can be used throughout the home?
A: I love seeing how my clients use their Pretty Kennels…from entry ways to mud rooms, to kitchens to bedrooms! They can serve as side tables or my favorite way to use them is under a window sort of as a window sill. The light hits the laser cut edges so beautifully. They work well in small spaces because they do triple duty as a usable surface, a design element and a functional pet crate. I’ve had client’s design them into the blueprints of their new home which was fun! It really shows how dogs are becoming a more integral part of our lives, and I love that!
Q: Do you have any other tips for living elegantly with pets? Pet bowls, toy organization, shedding, etc.?
A: I think dog beds should first be comfortable with good support! I don’t think they should be precious or expensive. It will eventually get barfed on, chewed on, peed on or worse, and that’s okay! When it comes to shedding, I couldn’t live without my Dyson handheld cordless vacuum. It’s perfect for the dog hair tumbleweeds as I call them. I also use it to vacuum off my duvet in between washes. As for dog hair on the furniture, a lint roller is my weapon of choice. Dog clothes also help with heavy shedders because it keeps the hair somewhat contained. I mean it when I say #decorateforthedogs! I installed towel bars on the wall above the girls’ Pretty Kennels and used baby clothes hangers to display their best outfits as a design element. It’s just fun, and you can’t not smile when you see it.
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: I’m supposed to say “travel and nature,” right? Just kidding! Like most 90’s kids, I didn’t grow up luxuriating around pedigreed estates or architectural gems. My insight into design and architecture originally came from tv and movies. I loved the Manhattan townhouse in “The Nanny” and the southern charm of Villa Mare from “Designing Women,” the manicured mansions in “The Stepford Wives” and, of course, the “Home Alone” house! Which brings me to another favorite source of inspiration, Christmas! Each year I use my cherished old collected ornaments but I change up the color of the ribbon or tinsel or balls so that my tree feels old and nostalgic but also new and exciting! Throughout the year if I change the pillows or get a new rug I immediately think, how would this look with Christmas décor? Anytime the seasons change, that’s when inspiration strikes.
Q: You and I share a passion for old movies… Can’t you just see a Pretty Kennel in the home of Nick and Nora Charles from The Thin Man!? How are you inspired by old movies?
A: Yes, Asta could’ve totally rocked a Pretty Kennel! The first word that comes to mind when I think of old movies is glamour! The way they dressed and did their hair, the high drama in their voices and movement, the music and dancing! It’s all so over the top, and I guess it had to be since everything was in black and white! I think without color it took a lot more effort to set the scene so they really paid attention to every detail in the oldies. I love watching TCM while I’m doing chores or lounging because A. It’s pretty, B. It reminds me of my pepaw sleeping on the couch, snoring with that on in the background and C. it makes me look at interior style in a new way… which is the old way.
Nora and Nick Charles (Myrna Loy and William Powell) with their dog Asta from The Thin Man, 1934
Q: Who are your favorite interior designers, past and present?
A: Past is easy for me, Mario Buatta. Present is a little more difficult to say just because of the exposure through social media these days. It seems like there’s an endless pool of talent out there. I’d say Ralph Lauren which technically could be past and present! Also Janie Molster, Ken Fulk and Corey Damen Jenkins.
Q: What is on the horizon for Pretty Kennels? How do you see the company growing over the next five years?
A: I want Pretty Kennels to continue to grow organically and most importantly be a source of joy for me. People always say to me “You should go on Shark Tank!” but I feel like I know where that path would lead, and it’s not for me. People have tried to imitate my product to make it more affordable or available to the masses but not without tremendously sacrificing quality. I love that Pretty Kennels are made right here in Austin, TX and that I still have a hand in making them. I love getting excited when an order comes in and it’s going to a really cool address or aspirational residence! I feel honored when people who can have anything in the world choose my product and just as honored when people say I’ve had this in my cart for years and I’m finally ready to buy a Pretty Kennel! In five years, I hope I’m lucky enough to still be making and selling pretty kennels and giving back more to dogs in need.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: Thank you for this opportunity! The Glam Pad really is a source of education, preservation, inspiration and joy for so many people including myself! Thank you for showcasing traditional design and keeping it cool in a modern world.
Riley in his Pretty Kennel
Thank you, Paige, for joining us today and for sharing your beautiful home!
I am obsessed with Riley’s glamorous Pretty Kennel, and I cannot more highly recommend investing in one for your pampered pet! To learn more and to place an order, please visit prettykennels.com and Etsy. For ongoing inspiration, please follow @prettykennels on Instagram.
