Last week I got an email from a woman in San Luis Obispo asking if I could do some flowers for her boyfriend, who lives nearby, “just because”. When I asked how she had heard of me she mentioned that she had been in my shop when she was in the area and remembered me. How cool is that? I was happy to be a part of surprising him and hoped to meet her request of designing a tall, elegant, but not feminine arrangement.
Inspirations
A lot of things inspire me. In fact, I have the “shiny red ball” syndrome when it comes to creativity. I can be traveling down a path when suddenly, OH! A shiny red ball! And I’m off in another direction. It makes for some interesting chaos but in the end it all comes together quite beautifully.
Rainy Days and Escapades
First, I want to thank all of my wonderful customers for continuing to support and love Apartment 46. For those of you that don’t get the eNewsletter, I had to take a full time job to keep afloat during these unsteady times. The desire to provide a beautiful, comfortable and interesting shop is so important to me that I’ll do what it takes to keep the doors open. Valentine’s Day was outstanding! I was caught up in such a flurry of bouquet-making that I didn’t actually have time to photograph the flowers!
In With the New
You know me, I’m always open about what’s going on at the shop. Everywhere I look another business is closing its doors – from nationwide franchises to locally owned small shops. It’s hard not to feel despair. I feel as if I’m standing on the dock, waiting for the rescue ferry to come and it just hasn’t gotten to me yet. I’m still here and as of this moment I’m still in business.
Unique Gifts for Christmas
This has been a hard year for a lot of people and I believe that most are focused on giving thoughtful gifts that are truly from the heart. To that end, I’ve been carefully selecting treasures that are truly unique and have great stories behind them.
Throughout the month of December, anyone that mentions that they read this blog will receive 10% off the purchase price as my way of thanking people for their support during my first 6 months of business!
I’ve curated the shop to include a beautiful selection of antique items, great silver and hand painted boxes, art, religious statuary, and so much more! I’d love to have you in a for a visit.
Happy Holidays and thank you for your business, and most of all, your friendship.
Warm wishes,
Melisa
Things to be Thankful For
It’s been a little while since I’ve had a chance to update you all but good things are happening. When times are slow, it gives me the opportunity to reevaluate the space, and how I want it to flow. I’ve removed a lot of items but added others that work so much better. If you haven’t come by in a while, I invite you to stop on in! Oh, and if you can, bring me a skinny vanilla latte. đ
Beautiful Books on Offer
Often when I’m out treasure hunting I come across great books on interior design, art, flowers, and architecture. I’m always on the lookout for vintage World Almanacs because of the great maps and all of the countries that no longer exist or have new names.
Inspiring Minds Want to Know
My daughter and I went treasure hunting early Saturday morning in San Francisco. In our search for a good cup of coffee we came upon the most gorgeous shop, Collage Gallery, tucked into a warm little space on Potrero Hill. I can’t possibly do the space justice with my words but it is truly a shop full of inspiration.
The Beautiful Bat Flower
I’m so happy to introduce the newest addition to Apartment 46! The Tacca Chantrieri, or “Bat Flower”. I first saw this stunning, unique and otherworldly plant at the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers and I wanted one. A month ago, one of my growers told me that he had three juvenile Bat Flowers coming in and of course, I reserved one right away!
Celebrate Your Space
As Summer comes to an end I’ve been exploring new themes in anticipation of Fall – darker colors, warmer woods, and interesting plants that invite a second look. Creating sacred space to me is about combining things that you truly, deeply love, with comfortable furniture or warm, soft, textiles.