Jean & Carolyn's Excellent Adventure!

Every year Jean and I make a trek to Portland, we stock up on a few fresh things for Twigs and Stitchin' Post and at the same time make a few stops to inspire ideas.  Our mission is to find unexpected, unpredictable ideas that you may not think of. 

So our journey began and as we crossed the Santiam pass, the pass was dusted with snow and Jean and discussed how snow simplifies the landscape, but the unexpected that hit us was the orange, the orange trees popping through the landscape of white and evergreen.  I wish we had a photo but unfortunately we don't and you will have to use the picture in your head, it was so beautiful.

Our first stop, the wholesale florist, we found some great things for the shop and will share photos of the displays once their done, mission one almost accomplished...

 

 

as if this is not full enough, we then went to the fresh side of the market.  Here they sell fresh flowers, twigs, plants etc. As we walked through the market we couldn't help but marvel at nature itself, there were some beautiful flowers that we just don't see on this side of the mountains, here are a few just a few shots to inspire...

 

 

 

Now lets see if Jean and I fit :)

Next we headed to a new area of Portland to explore, Missippi Avenue... We found some great new chairs for display and discovered some really fabulous shops.

Remember mission #2, inspiration can come in places that you least expect it...

 

 

 

This last store pictured with the logs, it's one of our favorite stops - Antropoligie in the Pearl.  You want to talk about unpredictable, their shop combines clothing,& homewares, but I must say they are the masters of creating interesting and capturing displays.  As you can see here with the combination of stacked wood and down comforters for the bed... think about how they relate, both things that create warmth and comfort... while it may grab your attention as "hmm thats an interesting combo." the display works, it tells a story.

So wherever your travels may take you, look for the unexpected, you will be surprised at the things that grab your attention or may become something later on in a different medium!

On another note Livy and Vi spent the night with their Mimi aka Jean, so we had a little photo shoot this morning in their adorable matching outfits, patterns by Modkid the "Sydney Euro Hoddie Top" and the "Sophie 3-way Pants" available in sizes 2T - 7.  Call the shop to order or for more information - so cute...

    

Happy Projects... if you have a chance get out and find some inspiration,it feels so good! Enjoy whatever the weekend finds you doing!

Carolyn, Jean and everyone here at The Stitchin' Post.