To thank you for all your warm wishes with the house, I thought I'd splurge on Valentine's flowers, especially for you! Now usually, I much prefer shopping the grocery store or corner deli for flowers; carnations, as you know, are my favorites. Grouped together, they're beautiful and affordable. But sometimes, for the best selection of seasonal fresh flowers, a florist is the only way to go. (Last week, just after we arrived, I popped into Kamilla's, the local flower shop here in Millerton, where I was given a beautiful bouquet of tulips, welcoming us to town. Thank you, Kamilla!) And for your arrangement this Valentine's Day, I chose a sweet mix of flowers, all in a palette of pinks, including (clockwise from the top) peonies, anemones, Star of Bethlehem, a small variety of amaryllis, rananuculus, and narcissus.
Now back in the fall, I did a little project where I etched a Roman bust onto my favorite everyday drinking glasses from CB2. The design, you might remember, had actually been inspired from a black Jasperware Wedgwood dish I'd found at the flea market in New York. Jaithan and I both adore black Jasperware! There's something so classic yet modern about all that white relief on matte black pottery. These are two of my favorite pieces. The first is a small vase with an angel motif I thought would be perfect for a small Valentine's arrangement. It's almost like a modern-day Cupid! The other is the lid to a dish I found on ebay.
As beautiful as it is, black Jasperware can be expensive. In fact, I've seen larger pieces at good antique stores selling for hundreds of dollars! That's when a good day at the flea market feels great! Still, though, it's those larger pieces in a collection that really make a statement, especially for flowers. Enter Designer DIY! Paint, especially the spray kind, is such my friend when it comes to sprucing up an old flea market find, and for flowers, antique urns are my favorite! I love their neoclassical shape, but sometimes, the ones I find on the cheap have glazes or finishes that are just plain ugly. I still remember the putrid brown of an urn I found junking in Maine last summer. I loved its shape, but the faux marble glaze made my eyes bleed! I wish I'd taken a before shot, just to show you, but I was too anxious to get rid of it. So with a can of matte black spray paint, presto-chango bye-bye faux! Now the urn looks almost like Basalt, another beautiful black stoneware from Wedgwood that blends in perfectly with all that Jasperware. Just don't tell anyone I painted it, okay?
And now for the flowers! Who says you have to spend a lot of money to create a pretty Valentine's arrangement? The smaller one cost just 15 bucks. I say set yourself a budget, keep the vessel small, and buy only a few good stems. That way you can save money and still have fresh flowers in your home. Speaking of, how great would this little arrangement look on your beside table or in your powder room on the vanity counter?
Of course, the larger one I splurged on, but you're worth it, I promise! This arrangement would be beautiful on your foyer or dining room table. It's sweet, thickly fragrant, and in that Jasperware-like urn, chic and expensive-looking. Enjoy your flowers, everyone, and Happy Valentine's Day from us to you!
lovely... i scored food this weekend.. you can ck it out .... almost better than a piece of fine pottery... ok, well.... close!
Posted by: pam robinson | September 27, 2010 at 12:16 PM
I have several pieces of jasperware, but I wasn't aware it was okay to keep fresh flowers (and water) in them. If it is safe, I'm very excited to be able to USE my jasperware vases!
Posted by: C. Osborn | March 20, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Thanks for the flowers -- they are beautiful! Hope you're enjoying the process of making yourselves a home and thank you for letting us be a part of it. :)
Posted by: Dawn | February 20, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Hi Eddie,
Thanks so much for the beautiful flowers!
I love jasperware too.
Ciao!
Posted by: ralphie | February 15, 2009 at 12:31 AM
You're right! This would be perfect in my entry way...especially with my black and white damask paper! And peonies, well they are just my favorite flowers ever! So thanks for the valentine! Hope your day with your honey was great too!!!
Posted by: Tobi Fairley | February 14, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Happy Valentines Day, guys! xoxo
Posted by: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality | February 14, 2009 at 05:19 PM
what a gorgeous site. Something sweet for VDay?
Posted by: Cyber Rainbow | February 14, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Eddie and Jaithan Happy Vday!!! Now about those flowers,love,love,love them and about the vases/urns I so need this in my entry with the black and white marble floor can't you just see this in there.I now have a new quest black jasperware it is perfect for my home.I love to have a new treasure hunt,as always you inspire me.xoxo Kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | February 14, 2009 at 12:23 PM
This is my favorite part of your blog. I really feel that the flowers are for me. You are the best flower designer that I have ever seen.
I extended an idea from you and sprayed an ugly vase with appliance-white gloss paint. It looks wonderful with the pink, almost pink, and red flowers that I got from my florist. She allowed me to choose the ones I liked as I told her about your Blog. Love you and thanks for the Valentine flowers, Barb Nieder
Posted by: Barbara Nieder | February 14, 2009 at 12:10 PM
My favorite flowers! Paint does wonders and now I will keep my eye out for those little ugly ducklings to turn into beautiful elegant swans! Thank you Eddie!
Posted by: Karena | February 14, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Oh my....these are the only flowers I will receive this year and having BEEN a florist for many years I SOOOO appreciate these beauties! Peonies are ONE of my favs too! HVD to you and Jathian too! The arrangement you created is magnificent!!!! It was so nice of your florist to give you flowers to welcome you. Have a GREAT weekend! Hugs, Pinky
Posted by: Pinky Szaflarski | February 14, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Bless you my child...You treat me better than my husband does...You always get me flowers for special occasions... ;-)
Marquita Stewart
The Original Black Martha
http://marquitastewart.blogspot.com
Posted by: Marquita Stewart...The Original Black Martha | February 14, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Beautiful....
Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day
Kathy :)
Posted by: Kathy :) | February 14, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Love reading your blog. And I just knew
you would have flowers for me this
morning! I really look forward to seeing
what you've done. Happy Valentine's Day
to you.
Posted by: nancy | February 14, 2009 at 09:36 AM
Happy Valentines Day and Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Lucien | February 14, 2009 at 09:01 AM
So pretty!!! once I found a red glass neoclassical bust (yuck!) & used the paint trick & he lived in the garden for a summer & now has the perfect aged white finish. love your peonies & it's so nice they gave you flowers to welcome you to town!!
xoxo,
lauren liess
Posted by: Lauren Liess | February 14, 2009 at 08:25 AM
Beautiful arrangements.. thanks for the flower. Happy Valentine's Day!
hugs ~lynne~
Posted by: lynne @lynnesgiftsfromtheheart.blogspot.com | February 14, 2009 at 07:52 AM
Great choice in flowers! Love the romantic look you created - have a great v-day!
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | February 14, 2009 at 07:48 AM
G O R G E O U S !
Posted by: Katarina | February 14, 2009 at 06:13 AM
Perfection!
Love,love peonies~
Posted by: Penny | February 14, 2009 at 04:45 AM
Happy Valentine's to you, Eddie and Jaithan!
Diana
Posted by: Diana | February 14, 2009 at 02:59 AM
You are just too creative my friend! LOVING the farmhouse! Have a wonderful V day!
Posted by: Granny Smith Green | February 13, 2009 at 11:58 PM
i was actually talking about your love of carnations to a few coworkers today.
great arrangements. time for me to go buy some flowers :)
Posted by: thomas | February 13, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Wow, thank you for the bouquet, it is glorious. Love the combo of Jasperware and pink, so Tres Chic! I have no talent for arranging flowers but I do have a talent for appreciating those who can and that would be you!
Posted by: The Queen Vee | February 13, 2009 at 11:33 PM
that jasperware is phenomenal
Posted by: flutter | February 13, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Heart stopping, jaw dropping GORGEOUS! The contrast of the pinks with the black urn...Yowza Eddie...Yowza!
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 13, 2009 at 10:50 PM
The arrangment is beautiful, I never would have thought of pink in black..Stunning! Have a wonderful St. Valtentines Day!
Posted by: Mary | February 13, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Beautiful! Have a great weekend.
Glenda
Posted by: Glenda/MidSouth | February 13, 2009 at 09:44 PM
Thank you, Eddie for the beautiful bouquet and Happy Valentine's Day to you and Jaithan!
I also love peonies and posted a photo of them on my new blog http://ilapko.com/irina (it still needs some work to be done on it). But my flower arrangement is real presto :)
Posted by: Irina | February 13, 2009 at 08:41 PM
Just for the record, I can't do that. I can put one kind of flower in a vase, either a lot or a few, and it usually looks....fine.But that - that presto, chango fabulousness? I can't do that. Adore the Jasperware - real and faux.
Posted by: Mrs. Blandings | February 13, 2009 at 07:44 PM
Eddie, you are so talented. As is your photographer. I'd love to see you visit the Obamas at the White House, come up with new and inspired table settings using the White House China and your talent with florals, then photograph everything and author a book. Sell them on it by saying you'll donate a portion of the profits to a related charity. I'd buy the book, and think of the new business you'd get!
Posted by: LizinUpstateNY | February 13, 2009 at 06:31 PM
Why Eddie. . .you shouldn't have. . .but I'm so glad you did. . .haha. They are just gorgeous!
Sending you and Jaithan Happy Valentine's Day wishes.
Posted by: Lori | February 13, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Again, absolutely beautiful. I am so enjoying your blog. I made sure a number of friends saw what you did with your butler pantry. Happy Valentine's Day.
Posted by: Ann Marie | February 13, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Aw, how pretty and romantic. Happy Valentines day to you and Jaithan. Oh, and a big congratulations on the new home. I'm still keeping up with your blog but just haven't had time to post my nonsensical comments. I can't wait to see the end result when you two turn it out...in a decorative way that is*smile*
Posted by: Julio Muao | February 13, 2009 at 06:21 PM
Thank you, Eddie and Jaithan! I'm another who loves peonies. Such beautiful Jasperware too -- I have to admit I've never seen black Jasperware before! Happy Valentine's Day to you both!
Posted by: Margaret | February 13, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Paloma of La Dolce Vita | February 13, 2009 at 05:59 PM
Love them- Wish I was in the neighborhood and I'd drop off a box of chocolates!
Posted by: suzanne | February 13, 2009 at 05:40 PM
so beautiful! I hope that you and Jaithan have a lovely Valentine's day!
xoxo Aline
Posted by: hanako66 | February 13, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Thank you for the beautiful flowers, Eddie...and for splurging on the larger arrangement and telling me I'm worth it...you're just so sweet. Gotta say "I love you"! Hope you and Jaithan have a wonderful Valentine's Day in your new home! I'm still so excited for you both to be in your new place in the country.
Posted by: Marianne | February 13, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Gorgeous! Honestly, flower arranging is a true talent! i wish I had the skills! :)
Posted by: decorpad | February 13, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Very nice! The flowers are beautiful, and I bet the smell as nice as they look. Like the black urn too. Jasperware is so classic!
Posted by: tardevil | February 13, 2009 at 04:55 PM
Gorgeous - just looking at the flowers makes me happy!
Posted by: Kacey | February 13, 2009 at 04:28 PM
Oh Eddie! Thank you! I can't wait for FTD to ring my bell so I can enjoy them in person! Just beautiful!
Posted by: Lazy Mom Leslie | February 13, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Eddie,you made me teary ,thanks for remembering all of us. Jaithan and Eddie Thank you for making my day.
Posted by: Clara | February 13, 2009 at 03:41 PM
It's beautiful, Eddie. I love Jasperware. I have a few pieces myself, some inherited and some from the Scottish Antiques and Arts Centre in Doune, Scotland. YOU would have an absolutely amazing time there, Eddie. Plan a trip to the Scottish highlands and go to the SAAC. It's an enormous warehouse surrounded by sheep fields filled with British and Scottish antiques. To. Die. For. As is your bouquet!!
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | February 13, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Beautiful flowers, Eddie! Happy Valentine's Day to you and Jaithan!
Posted by: Tammy518 | February 13, 2009 at 03:13 PM
I'm still sad I did not get to go to Scott's, but your flowers are making me pretty darn happy right now. Just lovely little harbingers of Spring. What else could you ask for?
Posted by: Karin | February 13, 2009 at 03:13 PM
Very pretty! Love the peonies!
Posted by: Jen R Sanctuary arts | February 13, 2009 at 03:10 PM
I always considered myself the queen of spray paint but I'll share the title with you gladly!
You were quoted in the latest issue of Country Living, btw, if noone else alerted you to the fact!
Posted by: Faith | February 13, 2009 at 02:18 PM
These are just beautiful! Mr. Ross, you continue to amaze me!
Posted by: PLawson | February 13, 2009 at 02:11 PM
I love that arrangement (peonies are my favorite!). I'm gonna forward this onto to my husband ... let's see if he gets the hint :-)
I have been listening to your spot on the Olivia Wilder show during work today and it has kept me entertained and buzzing with ideas for the weekend!
Posted by: Katy | February 13, 2009 at 02:02 PM