The art of creation

I like to use the analogy of a flowing river and how each day is a new type of paddle. Some days I am running through Class 5 rapids and some days I am silent in the back eddy. What I do know is that this is my “Someday Years”. After four professions, I finally am able to ride my own river and not be parallel to one. There are no big rock obstacles or problems that are insurmountable. Color and design paint each day with happiness. It makes me happy to assist others with their dreams and ideas for spacial use.

I started e&j designs to focus on my art of creations…flowers and creating personal spaces reflective of personalities. Initially, I named my work after my two adorable and spirited grandchildren. I have since added “2” to my name to honor my two additional grandchildren who have come along. Ella, Jack, Mason, and Will! They inspire me every day, I hope to provide you with a little joy from flowers and to help you create home environments that hug you and represent the heart light of you. 

I offer flower creations for home, office events and businesses. I provide consultation in home space design, new space creation, furnishings and placement, space re-purposing and other creative ways to live in your home and surroundings. My approach to creation is based upon being present in the moment and letting light guide the art of creation.

This bouquet at right welcomed the Curtis Hotel’s
general managers to their annual meeting.

How I work

Floral

With my floral work, I take the recipient and the giver into careful consideration when determining how best to create an arrangement or a mood with flowers. The result is tailored to the parties involved and the situation. A custom solution arises out of a seemingly endless combination of possible colors, textures, and shapes. An example of my thought process is below. See the “Floral” page for many additional images of flowers and holiday decorations.

The creativity in my flower designs envisions the arrangement three days after the initial presentation. This example required me to understand the bloom timing of the tulips in relationship to the colors of the dried flowers I had obtained from a friend’s garden. 

The photo above shows the bouquet displayed in my client’s home, three days after delivery. The client, Anne Stodola, sent the photo saying: ‘Beautiful!’

This comment, days after the presentation, brings happiness to me.

Interior and exterior reimagining

When approaching spatial projects, I work closely with clients to discern their tastes, style and design needs. My ideas are always informed by the project context and the vision by the client. 

I encourage my clients to consider wallpapers and a bold color to heighten the sophistication and the room truly feels custom. I like to layer and place accessories. If it is too busy I can adjust.

I have a unique personal approach. I always start every project by being in the space and envisioning the room empty. I see how the natural light impacts the space and consider the expectations for use and desires for the space. I focus on use, functionality, and ambiance. I let the design process breathe, i.e. be flexible and agile so as to accommodate new ideas as they emerge throughout the project. I have a unique ability to pay close attention to the smallest details that sometimes create the biggest impact. 

I encourage clients to create a vision board online or using pictures from magazines. The color trend now is a black and white palette. It is a classic look. I like to add wood to warm the room.

Window Design and Specialty Projects

The photos (below) show themed window displays that I designed and installed for the Hotel Curtis in downtown Denver. The retro camping and adventure theme compliments both the hotel’s style and possibilities for adventure in the nearby Rocky Mountains. The spring theme windows (see more window designs on the ‘Corporate Gifts’ page) are a whimsical reminder of the revitalization that spring (and a stay at the Curtis Hotel) can bring. The Curtis honors PRIDE Month and the “butterfly” window display was designed with that value top of mind.

Bottom right is a photo of a Firefighter Memorial created from a re-purposed 1984 curio cabinet acting as a display case for a memorial to two fallen firefighters in Cripple Creek, CO.

What I do...

  • Flowers!
  • Home space design consultation 
  • New space creation, including furnishings and placement
  • Space re-purposing 
  • Creative ways to live in your home and surroundings
  • Event design & planning for home and office
  • Retail window design
  • One-of-a-kind gift, memorial, remembrance designs

Let’s talk about how I can help you make someone’s day with flowers! Or, how I can make living in your home, garden and office a pleasure every day! If what you need is a unique way to honor or thank someone, let’s talk. Contact me.