Meet: Waylande Gregory

So,before I carry on with my topic today, I was talking to my mom the other day and casually asked her if she was reading my blog.  She replied, "oh.,.you know?  I haven't read it in about two or three weeks...whatcha been talking about?"   Uh...So now, we're going to do a little test for this lil' mama-o-mine.  Mom, if you're reading, the next time you speak to me, I want you to give me this code word:  "Pumper Nickel Pickle." That will prove that you're reading this blog that I spend every night working on until midnight...


Courtesy The Now Stylebook

Sorry ya'll had to witness that shakedown.  Now, onto my latest love...

My latest obsession is with Waylande Gregory.  He is considered to have defined American Style.  Think of an uber ceramicist before Jonathan Adler's time.   Born in the early 1900's, Waylande helped shape the art decor era with his innovative ceramics.  His talent was apparent at an early age when he won first prize at the Kansas State Fair.  By the time he was eighteen, he was managing thirty craftsmen in the elaborate interior design of the famous Roosevelt Hotel.  He went on to design at Cowen Pottery in Cleveland and became the resident artist at the Cranbrook Academy.  He moved to NYC where he focused on his terra cotta sculptures. 

Courtesy of Gumps

The Capital File

Courtesy of Luxe Object's Facebook



The Curved Leopard Box at Zhush



Blue and Gold Greek Key Tray at Zhush

Waylande Gregory's later years became controversial when he met a well-to-do couple, The Farmers, who desired to financially support an art center in honor of Waylande Gregory located in Middlefield, Massachusetts. Tragically, Mr. Farmer murdered his wife before the project completed and Waylande was tarnished by the association (and years of controversy and law suits). In later years before his death in 1971, he sort of tucked himself away and out of the spotlight. 

Courtesy of Luxe Object Facebook

Large Giraffe Box at Ahalife.com

After the discovery of an immense treasure trove of work in the basement of the Gregory Estates Philanthropic Foundation, Waylande Gregory Studios was founded by Gregory's great-grand nephew Bryan Downey and fashion entrepreneur Mickey Rosarin.   His ceramics can be found at fine stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Nieman Marcus.



Salt and Pepper Shakers, Courtesy of Ahalife.com



I happened to first spot the treasures in the shop of one of my favorite bloggers, Sue from The Zhush.    Her shop is not only loaded with fantastic Waylande Gregory pieces, it has an assortment of unique decor accessories.  Definitely worth the visit (and no, I'm not paid to endorse Zhush in any way, I just know a great find when I spot it). 

You'll love what we have on Pinterest! 

'In Home' with Home Goods

I recently posted some fabulous finds from my recent trip to Home Goods {check here}.  Home Goods has long been a great source for unique decor accessories.  They offer good quality at affordable prices and they're proving to be highly competitive with  today's 'discount-saavy' shoppers. 

It wasn't until I was writing my 'Home Goods' Heaven post that I looked around my casa and realized, holy cow, there are quite a few gems that I've discovered at this store.  A few of them are showcased here:

Basket weave lamps $29/each in Sunroom:

Robin Egg Blue Lacquer Serving Trays in small and large ($15 each)

Foo Dogs $19.99 for Pair {Read about Foo Dog Fervor here)

Mulit-colored Rustic Mirror in son's room, $99

Brushed Gray Lanterns $19/each

Assorted art on canvas and in frames, starting at $9.99-$29.99

Bronze "Swiss cheese" bowl (lower left) $49.99, candlesticks on mantle $11.99 and $13.99, turquoise Moroccan slim lantern on mantle $12.99

Turquoise quail bowl $49.99

White dog decor $11.99

Tiffany blue dinner plates and peacock inspired salad plates $16 set of four.  (And see those Moroccan looking water glasses with the teal bases, yep, you guessed it.  Home Goods $3.99 each).  

So, clearly I have had some luck at Home Goods in finding great items to accessorize my house.  Like any store, sometimes you hit 'jack pot', and other times, there is nothing to be found.  Keep an open mind when perusing the aisles.  If you spot a unique accessory, allow your creative juices to think outside of the box.  You won't be disappointed.