Category Archives: handcrafted

From Scratch Shoot

from scratch logo

A few months back I was asked to style for a marketing photo shoot for a brand new company in the Turks and Caicos. Talk about my kinda company; a one woman show, producing lovely, handmade goodies for the island!   Literally  . . . . goodies!!  From Scratch specializes in these pretty macarons, as the stylish logo above attests.

FromScratch-004

FromScratch-010

FromScratch-040

But Annie has baking skills which go way beyond cupcakes and cookies, however,  . . . would you look at these scrumptious cupcakes and cookies?

FromScratch-037 FromScratch-036

Picture perfect for birthdays, baby showers, and those special events you want the edibles to look as special as the occasion.  Take a further look at her wedding worthy cakes here!

FromScratch-022 FromScratch-044(1)

Her handmade creations are great for gift giving.

FromScratch-068

Congrats Annie on your new venture!!  May your success be as sweet as your delicious delights.

FromScratch-078-Edit FromScratch-086

Bajacu Bohemian featured on Rock My Wedding

Rock My Wedding blog image by Brilliant Studios

Image by Brilliant via Rock My Wedding

Thrilled to have our Bohemian shoot featured on Rock My Wedding! Love that site, and their UK team who knows how to bring on the pretty party!! Please pay their beautiful blog a visit and be sure to check out our feature Beach Bohemia!
Bohemian FWS (2)

All images by Chanelle Segerius-Bruce of www.brilliant.tc

The “Bajacu Bohemian” styled shoot, as the name suggests, was very much inspired by the incredible venue.  The elevated oceanside villa, and its designer, world famous architect Marco Aldaco, have been featured in many substantial books and such noteworthy publications as Architectural DigestBajacu literally “rising sun” in the native Caribbean Taino tongue, is apparent from the moment one sets eyes on the burnt orange exterior, set far above the surrounds on one of the highest perches on the island of Providenciales.  The view, especially from the crescent shaped infinity pool which wraps around the giant central palapa, is made that much more spectacular by the 11 surrounding acres of lush tropical gardens thick with frangipani, jasmine, and countless coconut trees.  Antique furnishings from Africa, Indonesia, and Asia create a warm ambiance.  The global influences in the art, decor, and details give guests a taste of the world and so we wanted to incorporate that free spirited love of travel and all things rich in color into our concept.
Bajacu Bohemian Turkish Tea Station

Bajacu Bohemian Turkish Tea Station

Bohemian-0122

Bajacu Bohemian Ceremony, infinity pool to ocean views

Bajacu lush gardens

Bajacu lush gardens

Bajacu Bohemian canopied Daybed

Bajacu Bohemian canopied Daybed

Bajacu bride with amazing ocean views

Bajacu bride with amazing ocean views

Our color scheme was richly saturated; pomegranate, watermelon, tangerine, golden yellow, and the infamous Bajacu burnt orange (and just about everything in between).  Dozens of dark metal Moroccan and glass lanterns in various shapes and sizes dotted the walkway to the sea and clustered around the ceremony site for a dramatic, exotic feel.  Bright gypsy inspired patchwork flag strands were hung to flap and flutter against the pure blue sky.   A kaleidoscope of patterned pillows made the canopied daybed extra plush and inviting as a newlywed nook.  Bright yellow fan corals and citrus slices adorned the fountains and footbaths.
Bajacu Bohemian color scheme

Bajacu Bohemian color scheme

Bohemian-0141

Bajacu Bohemian Daybed Newlywed Nook

Bajacu Bohemian bright blooms and sea fans

Bajacu Bohemian bright blooms and sea fans

Bajacu Bohemian bride and groom in front of water wall fountain

Local florist extraordinaire Environmental Arts Pomegranate Proteas and and lime cymbidium orchids were the focal flowers of the bouquet and decor.  Tangerine, peach, and fuscia carnations were used to create Indian inspired floral garlands which were draped in long strands. The grooms lime green and fuscia centered cymbidium orchid boutonniere popped against his midnight blue blazer.  A festive crown of colorful carnations and bright blue and purple orchid blooms was the perfect head to toe touch for our boho bride.  Single stems of all of the above and local lantana, which both looks and smells as sweet as candy, were centered in brightly colored glass vases for the tablescape.
Bajacu Bohemian gypsy style Ceremony

Bajacu Bohemian gypsy style Ceremony

Bajacu Bohemian Pineapple and Protea tablescape

Bajacu Bohemian Pineapple and Protea tablescape

Bajacu Bohemian Bride with floral crown at footbath

Bajacu Bohemian Bride with floral crown at footbath

Bajacu Bohemian Indian inspired flower strands

Bajacu Bohemian Indian inspired flower strands

Bajacu Bohemian driftwood “skull” with Environmental Arts floral crown

Our Turkish tea station, an antique chest draped in many patterned peregrine fabrics and florals, made a vibrant welcome for our boho wedding.  Gold detailed Morroccan teacups, antique silver, bronze, and gold teapots, and blooms galore surrounded our mouthwatering cake by Diane Guess.  Loose wild rosettes in a watercolor wash down the three tiers mimicked the many shades of the “Bajacu” rising sun.
Bajacu Bohemian Turkish Tea Trunk

Bajacu Bohemian Turkish Tea Trunk

Bohemian-0056

Watercolor Wash Sunset Cake by Cakes to Di For

Our gorgeous watercolor wash paper goods were provided by Artcadia
Bajacu Bohemian pineapple and protea tablescape

Bajacu Bohemian pineapple and protea tablescape

Bajacu Bohemian paper goods by Artcadia

The fabric flag strands were created using materials from the local thrift shop; skirts, shirts, and sundresses were cut into squares and alternated down the line with a few long strips to act as streamers in between.  Mother Nature made the unbelievable driftwood “skull” which I adorned with a vivid turquoise and gold necklace to give a desert chic feel to the ceremony.  A traditional gift of Caribbean welcome is the pineapple so the exotic fruit acted as table card stands.  A few pillow covers were made from the same thrift store fabrics as the flags for the canopied daybed.
Bohemian-0137 r

Bajacu Bohemian gypsy flag strands

We wanted our bride to convey a sense of mystery in her beauty look, smokey eyes and windswept hair. Ann Clift Northcote of Beauty and the Beach created our make-up looks and Geraldine Burtschi of Salon Maxime styled the hair.
Bajacu Bohemian Bride and Groom

Bajacu Bohemian Bride and Groom

Bajacu Bohemian bridal make-up by Beauty and the Beach, gowns by Luella’s Boutique

Our three gorgeous gowns were provided by Luella’s Boudoir. Each exhibited a different take on bohemian; the plunging neckline dramatic floor length beaded gown, the metallic beaded sheath, and the satin cap sleeve long dress with draped back detail. (Details from Rachel)  Our groom wore a midnight blue suit and crisp white dress shirt provided by Mr. Tux.  Accessories for a boho bride make all the difference!  The most elegant gown can be given an edgy twist with a little accessory finesse, which is exactly what we did with our three bridal looks.  The sophisticated Great Gatsby-esque gown was already dripping with detail so we wanted to keep the accessories minimal to let the dress do it’s own shining.  A bronze wrap around feather cuff bracelet, a long gold medalion necklace, and large but lightweight filigree drop earrings polished the look.  The intricate sheath gown with silver, gold, and bronze beading was paired with dangling filigree gold earrings, a necklace (chanelle details), and chunky gold, silver, and vintage bronze bangle bracelet.  Our sleek satin gown was paired with a pearl headdress (Rachel details) and oxidized silver necklace.  Our groom was accessorized with a woven red earth colored tribal scarf.  As one would expect with a gypsy inspired wedding, our bohemian bride and groom were barefoot!
Bajacu Bohemian great Gatsby-esque gown

Bajacu Bohemian great Gatsby-esque gown

Bohemian Bridal Beaded Sheath gown from Luella's Boutique

Bohemian Bridal Beaded Sheath gown from Luella’s Boutique

Bajacu Bohemian Satin Gown from Luella's Boutique

Bajacu Bohemian Satin Gown from Luella’s Boutique

m in navy suit from Mr Tux

m in navy suit from Mr Tux

When choosing a venue take note of all the little details you love, perhaps a pair of potted plants in antique urns or an amazing velvet fainting sofa.  With Bajacu there were so many details already part of the villa which were shifted around to add style to the overall look and feel; the Moroccan lanterns, the wooden leaning ladder for the ceremony, the glorious blue and white china for the tablescape just to name a few.  Inquire with the venue management about those details you love.  Can they be moved to your ceremony spot, can they grace your reception tables?  Geting creative with what is already available is a nice way add drama without a dramatic increase in budget.
Bohemian FWS
Chanelle and I had such fun with this concept, lots of laughs having to help one another up from the floor set tablescape due to our heavily pregnant bellies at the time. Big thanks to all the vendors who participated, you all made our punchy-colored-gypsy-vibe vision come true! Turks and Caicos really has the most vivid turquoise sea, come see for yourselves!

New Neutral Abstract

Gold, Bronze, Ivory Abstract painting

Gold, Bronze, Ivory Abstract painting

I recently completed a new abstract painting inspired by my waterscape series.  I am a huge fan of neutral color palettes in my own personal decorating so I was anxious to create a similar abstract work that would look great hanging on my own walls.  I experimented with cream, taupe, bright white, and both gold and bronze metallic paints before applying the super high gloss top coats.  I would love to see this painting find a home in a contemporary beach house with lots of earthy textured sisal, woven seagrass, dark wood details, and bright white walls.

36 x 24 x 2.5"

36 x 24 x 2.5″ $950

One aspect I love with these paintings, that does not come across by photographing them unfortunately, is that they reflect so much light given the high gloss finish, as well as the metallic paints, that they look different from every angle or every hour of the day depending on what natural light may fall upon the surface.

7.27.13 006

Gold, Bronze, Ivory Abstract Detail

Next up I hope to create a blindingly bright white and gold piece much larger than this 36×24 work.  Stay posted!

TC Millwork Recent Renovation

Longbay Beach House Powder Room

Longbay Beach House Powder Room

All Images by Steve Passmore via Domino Creative
TC Millwork has had a remarkably busy last year.  Early in 2012 our millworking division was hard at work on this incredible renovation.  A beautiful house located on Longbay Beach had seen many changes over the course of it’s history but new owners had a striking contemporary vision for it’s future.  While we refinished many of the doors and windows to coordinate with the overall look, much of the interiors were completely gutted and re-envisioned, which gave us the opportunity to create several custom woodworks.  These varied from clean lined combination open shelf and cabinet door vanities to imaginative designer furnishings like the oversize sofa swings hung from the octagon shaped sitting room and the live edge walnut slab kitchen island.
Longbay Beach House Renovation Bathroom Vanity

Longbay Beach House Renovation Bathroom Vanity

Longbay Beach House Renovation Salon Sofa Swings

Longbay Beach House Renovation Salon Sofa Swings

Longbay Beach House Renovation Living Room Doors

Longbay Beach House Renovation Living Room Doors

Longbay Beach House Renovation Bathroom Vanity

Longbay Beach House Renovation Bathroom Vanity, Mirror, and Door

Longbay Beach House Renovation Kitchen

Longbay Beach House Renovation Kitchen Island, Table, Arch Door, Console, Door and Window Refinishing

Longbay Beach House Renovation Bedroom Headboard and Nightstands

Longbay Beach House Renovation Bedroom Headboard and Nightstands

Longbay Beach House Custom Coffee Table

Longbay Beach House Custom Coffee Table

To see more of our contemporary renovation work, please visit our Pinterest Portfolio.