Thursday, November 7, 2013

The Wichita Center for The Arts
Holiday Tables
November 7-9, 2013
 
For the past three years Events and Design by Ashley has been honored to participate in the annual Holiday Table event that helps raise money for the Wichita Center for the Arts.
 
"Each year in November, The Wichita Center for the Arts volunteer group, Designing Women, transforms the galleries into a show of elaborately decorated tables designed by individuals, business professionals and designers. This year’s theme is "The art of the table." Don’t miss the opportunity to view the tables, enjoy lunch and your chance to buy a variety of delectable goodies and unique holiday decorations at the Holiday Tables Bake Sale and Boutique."
 
We love being able to take part and do what we love most; DESIGN! For our theme this year we went with
"Glitz and a Little Glam"
 
To start the design, I knew that I wanted to incorporate the up and coming black and white stripe runner down the center. After solidifying that little detail, I cheated and went on Pinterest for a more inspiration. After choosing a few different colors palettes I decided I needed a little more help narrowing it down to just one! So I enlisted the help of our fans and clients....and the WINNER was......
 After this little number won, the rest of my design was easy to pull together. I love the striking gold against the black and the clean white accents that make it all come together.  
 
I spent a little time one Sunday afternoon making the chandelier you will see pictured below. It was pretty easy to make and made for a fun few hours of mindless crafting. I asked my friend Shannon to help me think of something different to hang above her table and something similar to this concept was her idea. I made the pearl strands, which took the longest while I was watching a movie and unknowingly kept losing pearls off of the end from a broken string. 
 Oh Dear.

One of the things I love most about this event is the fact that the items I display are brought in from
all different walks of life.

The votive holders were borrowed from Faith, owner of Bel Amour Events. Chairs and black linen from Bowman Linen and Company, chalk boards from Ruffles and Rust, and the gorgeous orchids from a dear friend and florist; Jessica Self, owner of Magnolia Floral Studio. The black curio cabinet was borrowed from one of my best friends; Emily, and the black and white runner was made by my friend BrieLynn Wallace. She introduced me to the best invention EVER: Fabric tape. The rest of the items were things I have in my stash of décor or things I found for very little cost. I feel blessed to be surrounded by so many great friends and vendors and I am thankful for their willingness to help make what's in my mind a reality.
 
Now, I have to say that I started this design with TWO gold chairs. My dear, helpful husband lost one out of the back of his truck on his way to deliver them to the Center. Thankfully there was laughter instead of tears and maybe a little bargaining for new chairs!
 















 

Friday, November 1, 2013

Design By Ashley
"Decorating"

Since I was a little girl I loved taking my momma's décor and moving it around the house to position it just right. I would sit on the floor in my bedroom and push my dresser with my legs because it was too heavy to push with my arms. My room was ALWAYS changing as I played around with the trinkets and such that adorned my little girl room. As a married adult, this still takes place; although it does not always thrill my dear husband.

For two and half years now, I have spent many hours designing and decorating for weddings, fundraisers, showers, etc. I am expanding my skills to help assist homeowners in decorating their homes to reflect those that dwell inside. I want to help create beauty and a place of comfort for all who live inside.

I would love the opportunity to provide such services for you and your family! Design by Ashley offers competitive prices. Please visit: http://www.myeventbyashley.com/design-ashley