We love the soft pinks and taupes in Julie's painting for how they suggest spring blossoms and the awakening of the forest flora and fauna, but we also love the complexity of this master painter's craft: no Disney forests here. "Throughout the years my work has been a continuous attempt to see more deeply inside to those myriad selves that accumulate over time" says Julie. Above we use Julie's piece in our inspiration board for setting the perfect summer table, building an unexpected summer salad and making a fun-filled craft. Does art inspire your summer decorating, crafting or cooking? Tell us in the comments!
1. MAKE: Green Salad with Edible Flowers from Martha Stewart. Nasturtiums aren't the only edible flower. Unsprayed rose petals and even violas (small pansies) as in the recipe above can be combined into a show-stopping summer salad. Dress with some flower infused vinegar and your summer feast awaits. Kids will also have a blast snacking on the delicate blossoms.
2. DECORATE: The Mod Collective dinnerware. These porcelain plates and cups from Australia provide the perfect pop of summer color. And white the color palette is provided by garden blossoms, the pieces themselves are actually designed using a 3D printer before being thrown in hand-colored porcelain. Available in the US here from Gretel Home.
3. CRAFT: Egg Carton Bouquet. Remember asking your mum not to throw out the egg carton so that you could bring it to school for craft time? Well, they're back! These simple cardboard cartons may not be sophisticated but they are easy to find, easy to use and they provide a great texture. Plus they're easy to handle for younger children. Just add some tempera paint to each cut-out egg cup, punch a hole in the bottom for a pipe-cleaner and you have a table ready bouquet that will last all summer long.
