THANK YOU TOBI FAIRLEY!

Happy Weekend Friends!
It's been a long, trying week for me battling a mean, summer cold but I'm feeling much better today. Thank you for all your get well emails and tweets. I swear my readers are the best.

Today I'm guest posting at Tobi Fairley's blog for July's All-American series. She's asked a number of bloggers and industry professionals to take part. It was a honor to do so. Without further delay, here's my visual. You'll have to read the rest at Tobi's to see what all this design goodness is all about! Click here.

created by Erika Ward

In other Tobi Fairley news, I was thrilled when Houzz.com asked me to interview her. Such a generous spirit, Tobi shares her advice for creating her signature look: bold, colorful, and timeless. See that interview here.

I'll be back to regular posting next week. I sure missed you guys. See you soon!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Four Designers create a design around the Maynard Side Table [gold leaf] by Worlds Away at Clayton Home

Cristin of Simplified Bee invited me and three other designers to take part in her Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do? We were instructed to select 4 to 5 additional items to pull together a look using the stunning gold leaf side table. Here was my interpretation and explanation of the design:

"2011 is all about a little spontaneity. This look is inspired by Jessica Snow’s artwork, Louis the Third, which features overlapping lines in energetic hues. Affordably priced at $200 for a 17”x 22’ print, there’s still enough money in the budget to have it framed. The Brownie sofa [with its nailhead trim] grounds the space while adding a touch of glamour. Pulling colors from the artwork, I chose a versatile peacock blue chair and a gold Greek key rug to further the modern, funky vibe. Thom Filicia’s Citysquare fabric carries the Greek motif to the windows as drapery panels and to the sofa as accent pillows. Toss a couple of solid canary yellow pillows onto the sofa to complete the look. Hovering over the room is the most gorgeous pendant light which borrows metallic cues from the side table and its shape from the artwork. I would never have a sad day in this room." - Erika Ward

Be sure to stop over at Cristin's to see the other design boards. It's funny how each person's design gives you clues to their personality.

Based on my design, how would you describe my personality? I'll let you know if you are right.  

As always, thanks for reading!

GIVING THANKS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDS

In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday, Julieann of CreateGirl has developed a series entitled, "Giving Thanks to Social Media Friends." She and I have developed a valuable business relationship via twitter for which I am truly thankful. Social Media has been such a wonderful tool for me to establish such relationships as well receive exposure to traditional media.  I could not resist an opportunity to participate in this series.  From Facebook, twitter, and blogging, I've encountered the most talented, ambitious, and caring individuals from around the world so it was hard to choose just one person to spotlight. But the person I chose gained a special place in my heart when she gave me some much needed advice on motherhood.

Head over to CreateGirl to see read about my special friend! Have a great weekend!

image via CreateGirl