Tracy Porter Blog… be inspired!

Good Morning Beautiful Girls!! I so loved this segment. We live in Missouri but my favorite place on the planet is the adirondack mountains! We have birch bark pieces everywhere in our house and antlers AND seashells glued all over our fireplace (not so adirondack, I know, but I do so love the beach too). One of my favorite things to add to the rustic mix is old photo albums made of leather or wood with vacation areas hand tooled or painted on them. I love taking pictures of anything and everyone and these really speak to my heart. Have a blessed day, Ladies!

Dear Tracy, I just wanted to thank-you for all of your inspirational ideas. You are so positive and fun! I love getting your messages each day, it just gets me jump started to my own creativity. I love it!:) Sincerely, Kim

Tracy & Sarah,
Loved your nature inspiration! I grew up on a farm in central Montana and we raised cows and sheep, had horses, chickens, etc.. Some of my most cherished things are two horse hair/sheep wool nests, they could fit in the palm of my hand, thousands of hairs, so wonderfully made into a little birds home. Truly a fascination!

You girls are just too cute! I love all of your nature inspired decorating ideas…especially in our troubled economy. This is something for everyone! I envy you your antlers, I must say! However, living on the beach I have collected my share of rocks, shells and birch bark. Tracy you kill me with your skeleton!

Thank you girls for your inspiration once again! Happy Valentines Day…kisses!!

Pam

Quick note: Loved the Snippets in the Real with John and Gus!

Ladies, Ladies,
So wonderful to see you both together again! I do so love the splendor of nature. The effect you get when you place an object of nature near an object of extravagance is mesmerizing to me; like hanging a crystal chandelier in a log cabin! I am totally with you on this! In my farmhouse; I have a gorgeous, formal Parisian tapestry hanging over the fireplace.. and at the top corner of the tapestry, I placed a long limb hanging down with a huge ( empty ) hornets nest that I found on the farm. The juxtaposition of the two truly is spectacular. It is a gutsy thing to try, but it works every time!…… You two are brilliant!!!! Thanks for sharing…. I am out this weekend, in search of mossy rocks!…( my hubby will think I have lost my rocks!!! )…He will just have to understand!!!

Dusting? BLAH!! My mother asks of all my treasures, ” but what about dusting “. Once in awhile out of necessity,but we heat with wood and it does create dust. Can’t get too stressed about that.
Hey you gals from Texas, have you seen the Magnolia Pearl ( Robin Brown ) book? Over the top, funky and fun in a really cute hippy sort of style.

Tracy, Sarah and the TP sisterhood. I am trying to make a decision here, and I need your help. I am torn… between the Scottish cardigan and the Marston cardigan for Spring….. Any comments that you could give me that would be helpful about these two pieces? Thanks and have a great weekend loves.

We truly are kindered spirits. I too, love nature and decorate with all the things you mentioned. At Christmas time I was in my side yard digging up moss to lay on a mirror on my buffet with the little bark houses my children made when they were little (they are now 17, 18, 21) but still love the memories of when we collected things to make them. You start with a milk carton, or an oatmeal box, add bark, dried toadstools, waxed paper windows, dried flowers etc. Sounds like a great project for your children.
xoxo
Char

Morning girls,We have been decorating with nature. On a family vacation 30 years ago to Florida we brought back a sea gull skull. It rode home on the axel of our camper. The boys loved it but our daughters thought it smelled. Do you spray your nests or worry about insects. We actually have put yogert on rocks to have them grow moss. Also decorate with bark and even pieces of wood. It does add a whole new eleminte to decorating. You girls dont even look like you get your hands dirty”"”" Happy Valentines Day

Tracy and Sarah,

I am literally having an adrenaline rush right now over your topic– “love affair with nature” for Inspiration Fascination show and tell! There is NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN piles of Nature in the home! Do you mind if I share???? After I watched you guys, I quickly created a post for my Artist Retreat http://lifeatbuttercupfarm.com/nature-art/

Thank you (with loads of smiles)– xoxox and Happy Valentines Day to ALL!
p.s. The Baked Brie was AMAZING last night!

I know why God gave you boys…because you love skeletons and bird nests. You have inspired me not to be so timid about bringing them in (we have 3 girls). My father has a cabin in the Sierra Nevadas. The lime green moss, pinecones, and bark are in abundance. Next time we go, I think I’ll gather them to add some “soul” to our home. Love the duo, is Sarah your sister?

…and your dusting philosophy is comforting.

Oh, Sarah and Tracy – such girls after my own heart! In our home we have little “nature tables” set up all around the house (inspired by the Waldorf school my children attended)! There are pinecones, shells, rocks (mossy and non), crystals, branches… The other day my daughter came in with a ball she had created by wrapping a long, thin strip of bark she found – it was beautiful! There is such delight in the finding of these treasures, and then in arranging and enjoying them. Thank you for showing us your natural beauties and describing how you enjoy them!

Two more things: 1) abandoned wasp nests are also cool…make sure they’re abandoned, though (!) 2) I’m having palpitations over the ADDITIONAL 20% OFF SITEWIDE VALENTINE’S SALE!!! (through the daily email). Thank you for the treat – such generosity – better than chocolate!!!

Great piece! Barefoot is just the right way to be when talking about nature – I love it! Thank you for all the great ideas about bringing nature into a home. My girls collect thousands of shells and I am heartbroken when I do not know what to do with the clutter… off to the many antique shops we have here in Petaluma, CA to find a beautiful candy jar. The sand dollars will need something more like your bowl – so neat! I always wondered about your attitude on dusting.. another freeing moment! It think it’s a new generation thing.

Hi Cameo, welcome back. Was NY fun?” As far as your question on the sweaters…they are both so wonderful. I think I would choose by color. Which color do you look best in? I ordered the Scottish because I have dark hair and tawny skin and look best in neutrals. I bet if you’re a blonde or redhead the Marston would look best. Just a thought.

Cameo – I’m with you on the abandoned hornet’s nest – it sounds beautiful paired with the limb and the tapestry! You have blogged about your love of the Scottish sweater, but the Marston is quite lovely too. Both seem versatile; the Marston’s color is so great for spring, but the Scottish one is so yummy. I’m afraid I’m really no help as I love them both!

Thanks Rebecca, for pointing out the LOVE SALE…I just purchased the Persian Shirt, Sueded Artisan Vest, Truly Bejeweling Tunic, the Musee Cuff and the Vintage Turquoise Coat…AMAZING PRICES! I can’t wait for my Valentine treat to arrive.

Shawn – Hooray! Such beautiful choices – I already own half of them and they are scrumptious! I agree the prices are “pulse-pounding!” Have fun with them…

Oh Artist,……it was such fun. Let’s go there together someday……. It is a wonderful place to meet for a short and sweet trip. A good thought on the Marston. I am a blonde, and my daughter is a redhead….(How did you know? ) I always try to purchase TP pieces with her in mind, because I KNOW she will be wearing them one day. ( timeless pieces ) She ( age 11 ) has already changed her future career from being a pastry chef…. to being just like TRACY PORTER…….What happened to being just like MOM?….. Forget that , I guess….. But I still love the Scottish cardigan. I bet It is drop dead beautiful on you …..dark hair and tawny skin…..ooooh, laaa laaa ! Thanks for your reply………I think you are probably correct on your assessment.

My favorite comment in this video was how a room should not look like you decorated it over the weekend. And I agree, old things just make a home feel warm. I always mix old with new. Tracy and Sara, any good artist is always inspired by nature. Nature is simple and complex at the same time. I just placed my two orders with your great sale! Happy Heart Day to me and to you all!

Shawn love,
You are going to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Sueded Artisan Vest!!! Can’t wait to hear what your thoughts are .
Rebecca, You will not believe this, but I did indeed wear the artisan vest inside out in NY. My hair covered the TP label,,, so no one knew …. but me…. and you! What a grand IDEA!!!!

P.S. Just snagged a pair of the Violet Vamp shoes (ooooh!) and a Zoe Shirt…

Thanks for all the great ideas. I love displaying wasps nests! they are so interesting to me!! I have several around the house.

You two need a TV show! I have to say, never before will I see a ROCK the same way. Sarah -you are priceless – the way you tenderly displayed your mossy treasure. The burbs of Houston don’t offer quite the variety; but I will start to really be aware. Love Inspiration Fridays!! P.S. I have been toting my Quilted Silver Tote and LOVE that “thang.”

I have a little something different from nature on my mantel — something that was “naturalized”. I have three boys who constantly played baseball in our backyard while they were growing up. We had every kind of ball in our backyard — anything you could hit with a bat. Many would get lost in the “forest” — as my nephew refers to the very back of my yard — until spring when all the snow melted and the groundcover had died back. One spring my two year old nephew came in the house with three lost balls (softball, tennis and baseball) he had found in the forest. My sister makes fun of me but I put them on my mantel because they were soooo old and beat up and I thought they were cool. The covers were off of them and the insides — string and fuzz — were exposed. They were mossy(!) and full of great texture and color. And there they still sit today. Part little boy memory and part nature all rolled into one.

You gals are fantastic!! I found your blog in Dec., and now look forward to it every day!! Would love to see more of your houses please! I too am constantly inspired by nature…I have a garden and design biz in Tn. While vacationing in Florida, I was collecting some really fantastic pieces of spanish moss (like 6 feet long!) and a friendly stranger stopped and gave me a great tip… Because the moss can harbor parasites and general funk, you can “clean” the moss by zapping it in the microwave for about 30 sec. Works great for nests too! Keep the blogs coming!!

Cameo – I just saw your post – I’m so glad you enjoyed the Sueded Artisan Vest inside out too, and debuted it that way in NY! Shawn, and anyone else who’s thinking of getting one – you will be so happy with it, on either side!

Artisan Vest Lovers: please tell me the color. Is it blue, teal, greenish? Thanks! You ARE winning me over; BUT….not sure of the overall color. Merci.

Virginia – I would say it’s kind of a light-ish teal color, but there’s definitely some blue-green and/or turquoise contributing. The lovely band is a subtle gold that really blends nicely, and, well, you know how I feel about that lining! The product photos really do show it in its true glory; there’s just the tiniest bit of sheen to the fabric that catches the light in a beautiful way. The faux fur really complements everything else…I am a big fan!

Hi Rebecca – think you sealed the deal!! I’m not a “blue” person BUT do love teal, green. Yum! Book rec: think Stephanie mentioned a book that I have NOT heard of: Magnolia Pearl??? Will most def check it out. Yea!!!

Ok girls with the Artisan Vest…how is the sizing. I am dying to order, but the small is sold out, I did buy the M in the Mossy Sweater for arm length, but I am not sure if the vest would be too big in a M…any thoughts??

Wow….what can I saw besides love the outdoors inside. I usually put my abandoned nests under a cloche in the kitchen, and I love that basket John gave you. So beautiful. These inspiration fascination videos are the best and I so enjoy everything you put out here. It definitely is one of my highlights during the day, so thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. Now I just wish I could find a skull (animal) to add to the mix….BTW….thanks for the LOVE on all the glorious wears!!!! Can’t stand myself and ordered twice now today!!!!

I love today’s blog. (Though I might be tempted to call you the Bone Sisters) You make me want to walk around my yard with fresh eyes. I love shells and rocks, and now I think I want some bark and maybe…bones?

Virginia – I’m so glad you went for the vest – I think you will love it! It really is more green than blue, and so, so lovely.

Hi Dawn – I ordered the medium vest, and it fits beautifully. I’m between a medium and a large at the moment in the shirts and jackets here, but I think it’s because I recently had a baby, so it’s all about the belly, which in this case doesn’t matter so much because you can wear the vest open. So I think the medium vest would work well for you if you are generally a small or a medium. I hope that helps! Sounds like things are going fast!

Thank you for the French words, it makes me feel more at home while I am watching you. I’ve always been collecting nature stuff. Here in Los Angeles, it’s rather Palm trees woods and shells.
I really love your “Valentine” shells under glass globe picture, it’s so marvelously kitsch and beautiful.
By the way, thank you for the clafoutis recipe, I usually don’t make it like that, but I will definitely try your way.
And thanks for your 20% more or rather less, I could buy an little extra from you.
Happy Valentine’s Day !
Yael

Dawn Love,
I think a medium in the Artisan vest will be great for you if you wear a medium in the Mossy sweater. I ordered a large in the mossy sweater ( I have these long lanky arms too ).. and you were correct…. it is a beauty….So I ordered a large in the vest. It is perfect for me. I don’t like my clothing too snug. I am quite mobile, and am always moving around ( you know how it is with kids) By the way Dawn, I plan to check out your blog this weekend. Artist is quite taken by it,……so, I think I will visit you this weekend! Rebecca,….I am thinking that maybe you and I should get into sales………. we could possibly be quite good in that market…..just a thought…. have a great weekend ladies!

Can I just say – the gift boxes that the jewels come in from this company are like Valentines or any-day gifts in and of themselves! Rich kelly green with gold ribbons and border, with the most stunning dark pink, heart-shaped (or at least heart-reminiscent) floral designs on the top, and on the inside cover is a gold-edged green pocket with a dark pink, blank gift card (scroll all the way down on any of the shopping pages and click on “gift wrapping” to get a glimpse). Tracy and friends, thank you so much for going the extra step to make the experience of receiving something from you an absolute thrill and delight! If you haven’t received one of these beauties encasing your treasures yet, order some jewelry and look for the “lusciously gift boxed” notation next to it in your shopping cart. The prices are amazing; you will receive such a box at NO EXTRA CHARGE (can you believe it?); and you will get so much enjoyment out of it. They make great jewelry boxes, gift boxes to give, or boxes for your Legos (my son’s favorite use)! Oh, and the jewelry inside the box also comes in a “reusable gift satchel” – you guys think up the best names for things – that is also pretty and useful. I know I sound like I’ve been hired to rave, but I haven’t, and just appreciate the extra touches so much! Love!

I know i say this every week…but I just adore the passion , intense….. rich and warm thoughts…..all the goodness…. ALL of YOU give off so generously…..
I was out yesterday so didn’t have a chance to get in here with you…but then i open this and…..well, gorgeousness everywhere…kisses to you all on this Valentines day!!
ok…let’s see here…
Cameo…tough choice….. between those two sweaters….the Scotish sweater is more bohemian…the Marston cardigan more kate hepburn….go with your heart. I wear them both, they are each lovely.
*I will say ladies…to all of you, THANK YOU…so very much for shopping, and sharing with each other….you are a fantasy sisterhood if ever there was one….well……I do believe this is IT my loves…..you are good to us, so very good, and we are grateful!!

…..back to nature…..I too love wasps nests…some of natures finest work…..like they are painting with every shade of grey and knitting it all together, so busy, so calming…..extraordinary no doubt.

Snow today…..although we had a wee bit of warmth… my herb garden looked alive really for a few days…even the lavender might make it through…..oh joy!
have a most delicious day…..do something lovely for yourself…and someone else……

xoxo to all of you………..T.

Cameo & Rebecca…thank you for your help with the vest…just ordered mine!!! Rebecca, after you mentioned you wore your vest inside out…I have a couple of fur lined vests just from the G*ap and I reversed them and wore with a belt “Tracy stlye” and they looked great…even my boys said “Mom, that is such a cool vest..is it new??” So, thanks for sharing your tip!

Happy Weekend & Valentine’s Day!
xoxo

Hi girls!!! Just arrived in Florida from NY. Going to beach to gather more shells, driftwood, etc.. to fill up more baskets in my house. Tracy, you have been my personal creative inspirational guide ever since I bought your books way back in 1998!!! Love your style and I,ve been collecting nature ever since mt little boys could bring me their found treasures like insect carcasses, broken shells, bones, etc… Huge treasures from the heart!!! They havegrown up appreciating nature so much and now that they are 15 and 16, they are the stars of their biology classes!!! Wat to go Moms!

Tracy this video makes me want to nudge you back to the decor vignettes. Please show us more of you home and Robyn’s. I love seeing what you do with all this stuff.

What a great post! I love your Fascination Fridays. Nests, rocks, feathers, shells, acorns, are all things I enjoy collecting around here. I did not know that February is the time to look for antlers. Your blog is definitely influencing my life. I volunteer at a thrift store and yesterday I found the cutest little vintage clip earrings to put on my summer shoes. I also picked up a silk beaded Indian inspired tunic last weekend. I wore it to work and got many compliments. You gals are wonderful…thank you!!!!

Cameo…your comment on my blog was truly the highlight of my day. Thank you for stopping by. It is probably a little obvious how much we adore our little Lucy Joy…isn’t it?? I have lived in Seattle 18 years (moved from CA), actually now we live in Auburn (south of Seattle), but LOVE going downtown. I too love the market and Cafe Campagne…dont get there enough. My girlfriend just shared about a restaurant in the market…Maximillian’s..did you ever eat there??…she said it feels as if you are in Paris the minute you walk in…I never in all these years knew it was there and it sounds perfect to me. So, my thoughts on the cardigans…as much as I LOVE the scottish Cardi…I am drawn to the Marston…I adore the color of it and the buttons!!! That would be my first choice

Happy Weekend~xoxo

Dawn, I laughed that you had turned your vest inside out…way to go!!!!!!!! I know it was fab. So now you must tell us about Maximillians. I know you will go and check it out. Who could resist a billing like that…Paris the minute you walk in? LOL

Dawn – I know you will love the vest! I wore mine on Valentine’s Day with my new Scarlet Fever boots – what a combo! I’m so glad to hear that my love affair with the lining has sparked your creativity, and I’m sure you look wonderful in your vest-and-belt combos. I agree that Tracy’s belt-wearing panache is definitely worthy of imitation!
Tracy, I think you can clearly see how you inspire all of us to great lengths even when you’re not “here!”

Living in Montana we have so many opportunities to be inspired by nature and the raw beauty that surrounds us every day. My husband and I fly-fish and one of our favorite things to do with our two sons is search for heart-shape rocks in the river. We pack a scrumptious lunch, (cheese, salami, fresh bread, fresh fruits) and after we eat we walk up and down the river bed looking for rocks in the shape of hearts. My collection sits in a pretty Waterford dish (forget the potpourri — I’d much rather fill my crystal with rocks and such.)

Dawn love,
Loved visiting with you on V-day!!!… I will visit again…. No, never been to Maximillians. I always thought that if I ever had a son, I would love to name him Maxwell… and call him Max. I love the name Maximillian… sorry, rambling…… You must try it when you are in the city. Let us ALL know. Paris………. in Seattle? … I will pack my bags and be there in a flash!!!!

Artist, have you heard from Priss lately?

Carrie Albro… I am on your page love… or at least I think I am!!!! Last year my husband and I took fly fishing lessons in the mountains of VA. We fished in this quaint, cozy little stream for hours………. hip waders…… freezing cold…. but, oh… so therapeutic! My Hubby caught 0….. Me, ….. happy to report, caught 3. I am thinking the fish saw my arm stacked with 4 inches of silver and gold bracelets, and they were attracted to the shiny sensation…… I know that the instructor sort of looked at me funny when we first arrived…….. he loved me before the day was over……. because I caught the most fish!!!!…. WOW there is an ART to fly fishing, and it truly is an upper body workout!!! I am jealous!!!!!! MONTANA……. Paradise!!!!! Blog again love, TP is perfect for you (rocks in Waterford crystal). She will love you right away!!

Dawn… hugs to Plum Blossom from Cameo tonight!…these thoughts of nature, rivers and all… I will dream about Snowqualmie and Stephens Pass tonight! Good Evening….

Cameo, our sweet Priss has been sick this week. I know she would love to hear from you.

Oh how I have missed you all ! I have been so crazy busy, I am just catchig up. I almost wept when I saw Sara’s mossy rock. I go jogging in a large county park ad always drive my running partner nuts by stoping to admire all the moss. She always teases me that if I take it I’ll end up in the police blotter ” Local mom busted in moss ring”. I love it ! Birds nests….just perfect. Hunting and gathering what a beautiful way to honor our natural world, recycle and save. Thak you both so much. XO

ps: I had no idea deer shed antlers, I have tons of white tail deer on my property. As soon as the snow melts I am goin’ huntin’.