I have a few of these books now. They are quite cumbersome in weight, but full to the edges with guaranteed fuel when a missing piece of an idea is needed.
This is my visual journal.
The lesson I am learning daily in my life is to be "awake" to all layers of happenings.
To be open to all that my eyes see. To take the time to observe things for what they are, and to let ideas of what they could become, flow....
I find space of nothingness is needed for inspiration to find its voice. Depending on the day, something can be viewed in a new light. So I do what I can to leave as much "food for thought" in my eye shot.
There are certain characteristics that are loyal to my aesthetics. Whenever I see them, they catch my eye and I feel for a moment, like home.
Marie Antoinette's reign in the 1700s in Versailles left volumes of aesthetic inspiration. Sometimes I take little pieces of it and slip them into a funky setting and sometimes I embrace all the sumptous luxuries.
The manifestation of anything that is created from being inspired, from something of depth and substance, often carries a little extra element of specialness.
Whether at a flea market, a museum, a movie or walking down a street.........
The "right pink" always causes me to do a double take.............
The end result of this thought is that inspiration is always around. It is just for us to be open for seeing things in different ways..... and life becomes richer all around.
To see more of what my inspirations produced, please visit rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com
104 comments:
Beautiful post, it was very inspiring to me. I design purses and pillow, and buy and sale Antiques. My favortie things our Shabby Chic, beautiful fabrics, and anything French, it seems like my mind never shuts down. I'm inspired by so many different things, alot of the time it will be in the middle of the night and I get an ideal for something so I get up and write it in my notebook, it just reminded me of that when you were talking about writing your insprations in your folders. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Blessings~~~Daphne
Dear Rachel,
Thank you for this post, I am in awe and fascinated by your process, from what inspires you to your final glorious product. As one who has many of your treasures I always love hearing and seeing what inspires you to create your special magic.
xo Nicole
It is so lovely to see your notebooks, Rachel. This post is really food for my soul. I know that I'll revisit it a lot. I agree that it's good to enter a state of being rather than doing all the time to hear the muses singing. To be 'awake' to all layers of happenings is a good thing to aim for.
I love the Marie Antoinette influence and your recent book is one of my very favourites. xx
Dear Rachel,
I'm glad you are "back", having weathered the storm. I love the feeling I get when I experience your beautiful inspirations...they are expressions of my own soul brought into reality through you. What a blessing! Donna
Dear Rachel,
I love your "idea books"!At least I am not the only one to collect pictures, pieces of fabrics and everything else that can be useful to create something...one day!
Thank you for the constant inspiration you give me.
Hugs from Italy,
Francesca
I will never tire of your aesthetic as it is a "continual movement" of all things pretty!
Love the new website and images...the furniture, fabrics & accessories...swoon worthy!
I love getting to know a little more about your design process here of this lovely blog!
xoxo Beth
I can imagine you are getting inspiration from the faded colors on that door, it is a stunning picture.
I will go and bring a visit to your site again, I haven't been there for a while
all the best from Amsterdam
desiree
Just beautiful as always, you truly inspire more than any inspiration folder I may have.
It is most definite that inspiration is a part of our souls. If we listen we can see endless ideas. I wanted to say Thank you for inspiring me everyday. ~lulu
lovely, inspiring post!
thank you!
Rachel, I'll come over and straighten our your ribbons and lace.
I'm so glad you have found Lu. She' a great talent and a wonderful person. I work with her in Agoura and love her vision.
Rachel this is a wonderful thought provoking post. Inspirations comes from so many places - if only we open our eyes and minds to see it
Alison
You are such an inspiration Rachel! I can't wait to go to your store in Santa Monica someday. Are you ever up north by Modesto? Blessings on your Shabby Chic Couture website! Marcia
Rachael,
I love your food for thought! And your idea book...ADORABLE! When I think of inspiration I think of you! It's always your book a grab for first when I need to be inspired or when I'm having one of those days a cup of tea and your book always makes me smile! I'm so glad to see your back!!!!
Beautiful blog!
Elizabeth
In Italy all this was almost new for me, but you revealed a world to me. I don't know how possible was to live and not know anything about all your incredible job for so long.....Won't you open a store in Italy as well???? ;) Zaira
I'm not sure you 'll read everithing but I'd like to write this message because for me you do a very special job!
You discovered is the way of happiness.
The simple elegance, the relaxing living, the love for details,your job is what the word needs now...Oh, I wish I could speak more better english to explain.
baci da firnze
What a wonderful way to look at everyday things and find some new use for them. A beautiful post inspiring to those of us trying to do our bit to recycle and reuse.
Jenny
Would absolutely love to see your inspiration journals in full Rachel.... bet they are works of art themselves... It is amazing where we can find inspiration... sometimes in the most simple things... or just a single hue of color....
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful post
Lou xx
I love your blog! It is inspiring and gorgeous! I am here via Dusty Lu's blog! Enjoy your day!
Beautiful post, I especially love the visual journals - I love that something so practical can inspire such endless creativity. Thank you so much for sharing!!
And PS: the couture site is AMAZING!!!
PS have tried to follow your blog via the link up top but for some reason this doesn't seem to be working for me??
I love the idea of the idea book! I am going to start that today! I have an idea notebook but this makes more sense to me! Thanks for your wonderful ideas! I love your books.
Beautiful photos Rachel and I think you look great in your old jeans and pretty blouse! My hubby and I love to look for the beauty in old and tattered objects. Your post was very inspiring as always.
I love the process you go through from beginning to end.The end product is always so beautiful.Im new to all of this but Im sure going to enjoy the journey.~~Becky
Hello Rachel,
I am a fan of your books and products. I am so happy to have now found your lovely blog. Thanks for all the great inspiration!
~Elissa
AWESOME inspirational photos! I never figured out how to follow you until today!...(smacking self on forehead!) Your inspirational book reminds me of my tattered and well loved mini scrapbooks of my kids...love them and your idea book!
Rachel, thank you for sharing these photos and ideas on inspiration. I love the book with the scraps of fabric and whatnot. I need to corral all my thoughts into a book! So many of them are inspirations from you!
You are so inspireing! I've been a follower and would love to invite you over to my blog and possibly enter my giveaway! Thanks!!
Breathtaking post!
Your notebooks are amazing. Thank you for sharing. I am a huge fan and am so happy to be following your blog!
Stopping in to say you are a huge inspiration to me and many others, thank you! Can't wait to visit your store sometime in the near future!
Take care
kristin
Oh My , im so gasping with excitement, I just live, breath and love the mixtures of raw-natural rough with lovely-beauty-elegant. Frilly & fancy with rustic. I dream of it think about it and also have a binder of clippings, ideas i jot down, and i share with customers at my shoppe or anyone willing to listen . Love the sharing of ideas- I so so wish you had a store closer to No. Ca.
Cant wait for the newest book- Just amzing inspiration.
Love Ya-
Karryann
Talk about eye candy.. as your ideas always are! So beautiful. I loved the decadence of Marie Antionete too. Just the colours and fabrics alone. I am so glad to see your blog and am looking forward to reading it more.
stupendo tutto...!!!le immagini, gli accessori..BELLO BELLO..
marta
Congrats on your beautiful new concept and site Rachel. Thanks for the endless inspiration!
T
beautiful and romantic inspired photos!
-Danielle
to me this looks like a candystore!!!!
want to follow you, but don't know how and where:)
Greetings
Lynda
G~Day~I'm so excited to see the new furniture line.There isn't a list of what Furniture Stores will carry your line? I will do a lil search on Google to see if I can find one in my area.
Congrats! I knew you wouldn't be gone for long, your a strong women and you picked yourself up brushed yourself off and are better than ever! ~Cheers Kim
Oops! Woman
Rachel - you have been an inspiration to so many over the years and we all appreciate your sharing your "process" with us. Just as Truvy said, "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion" in Steel Magnolias...I believe finding treasures through trash is my favorite pastime.
Lovingly,
Cathy
Hi Love your blog....Stanna
You continue to be an inspiration to me. Thnks for blogging and sharing your inspirations with us. Please let us know when your new sofa line gets to the stores. I am eagerly awaiting to purchase a new sofa.
simply beautiful.. i just came across you r blog via the old painted cottage blog...
such beauty in your blog...food for the soul..thanks so much for sharing..i look forward to many an hour pouring over and drinking in all you have to offer!
Just seeing your pictures I feel like I am on a vacation! And oh do I need one! How inspiring ! Thanks!!!
Bonjour Rachel,
Love your idea books, I have a few that are bursting at the seams as well. Great quote about how the perfect shade of pink inpsires you. So enjoyed taking a peak into your creatibve process.
Perhaps one day we will hear news of a boutique in Paris...
Good week to you,
Mimi
Just became a follower. I love this idea of an inspiration journal. It does become a work of art on its own. I'm always collecting bits of ribbon and fabric swatches along with photos from magazines.
I came over from Old Painted Cottage and I just love your style. I would love to win one of your new books! Thanks!
Amy
Am so happy I discovered your blog. I've admired your style for a long time!
Thanks,
Jeannie
juanakmcd@aol.com
LOVE THIS POST! Thanks for it! I love S.C.'s interpretation of Marie Antionette! The Converse sneakers are just about the best thing in that movie... besides the amazing colors throughout the movie itself!
Dear Rachel,
It's so interesting to see what inspires you and how your thought process works. All of the photos are inspiring, and I love the pictures of your home and garden as well...just beautiful!
I love all of your products and used much of your children's line to decorate my daughters' rooms.
Best wishes to you! ~ Jojeana xo
Great inspiring post. Just found your site today and looking forward to being a follower
Maggie
Love your blog... love all things shabby and chic!
As always, I love each post you write and happy to see you standing so tall. Hope you and your kids are doing great!
You take care, Sue
Hi Rachel, what a beautiful and inspiring post.
I had to laugh about your inspiring book, lately I have been cutting up magazines of images that I love, I have lugged over 400 mags around from home to home for years, and now its time to cut them up and put them all in one book, I feel its taking forever....but I guess it's abit like "Pantene" "It wont happen over night but it will happen" and of coarse hubby carn't wait to see them all gone...lol.
Now that I have soaked up your inspiration its time to go and be inspired in my home...thank you!!!
Hugs
Kirstie.
RACHEL! WELCOME back. I have been so excited to see your books popping up on blogs all over the bloggerhood. Your vision was the original and I still love how you make no pretense about loving all that is beautiful and romantic.... and showing us that both of those things come in a myriad of different shapes and textures. I think we ALL need an idea book in our lives! xx Suzanne
I think of any designer out there your roll as a positive influence on trends and designs is the master of all. I am so pleased that I found your blog via Theresa of Garden Antq Vintage. Hoping to see you in July!
Gale
HELLO RACHEL,
I JUST FOUND YOUR BLOG TODAY.
I LOVE YOUR IDEA BOOK...I THINK I WILL DO IT JUST LIKE A DAILY JOURNAL AS WHAT INSPIRES ME EACH DAY AND SEE OVER THE YEARS THE THINGS THAT INFLUENCE ME. I HAVE ALWAYS BORDERED ON VICTORIAN/ROMANTIC AND WHEN I DISCOVERED SHABBY CHIC I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER. I HAVE 3 OF YOUR SHABBY CHIC QUILTS AND THEY HAVE WASHED AND WORN BEAUTIFULLY. I HAVE ADORED YOU FOR MANY YEARS AND NOW YOU HAVE A BLOG...YIPPE...
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK AND I WILL BE DOING SOME MORE READING THROUGH PREVIOUS POSTS.
ANGEL HUGS
SIMPLY DEBBIE
You have a beautiful blog!!
Beautiful blog
I am a new follower - I just found you -I saw a post about a giveaway -I hope to win one of your fabulous books :)
Oh, to be a tiny cell in your minds eye...what a beautiful journey one could take!!!
Smiles,
Susie
You always inspire! I thank you for that! Your Food for Thought is just what I needed today..treasures are everywhere...we just need to open our eyes! Hugs.
YIPEEE!! I just found you today nd already feeling refreshed. Things were getting a bit monotonous. Visual and spiritual inspiration is a must in this business. New follower. I hope I am able to gleen just a little of your fabulousness by reading your musings.Thank you ~ Dee
Such expression...in words and design. Thank you for sharing both!
YOU have been an inspiration for years...since stumbling upon your first book as a new mom. I poured over and over the pages. Thanks to Lu I've found your blog! Cheers to many more years of inspiration!
I always think of words when I hear the term Shabby chic. Soft, flowing.comforting,peaceful, calming, feminine, perfect. The term is perfect for the daydreaming ladies among us. To create is the divine pleasure of minds dancing with ideas.Thank you for letting us watch you dance. Kathy
Stunning...your words and photos.
I am going to be making a white slip cover. Could you suggest what type of fabric to use? I want a brilliant white crisp heavy fabric. I don't know what to buy!
Hello sweet Rachel - I'm a new follower of your fabulous blog via Dusty Lu! You have been an inspiration to me for a while now. I love your style. I too love a glorious chippy, old wood building and at the same time appreciate a beautiful room full of flowy, drapy window coverings. Thank you for sharing a little piece of your world with us!
Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com
Beautiful post! I love all things Shabby and Chic.Very inspiring...Kathy
Your blog and your shabby chic world is my food for thought ! When you told me that Marie Antoinette inspired you, I ordered it imediately and watched it several time like children do ! It is indeed so inspiring and I saw the converse shoes ! It's great to see your inspiration and the final products in your stores or books ! thank you !
Your blog is always an inspiration to me...mostly I appreciate your gentle beauty. I am drawn to gentleness and beauty and you are one who has (and gives) both.
I blogged about your gardens last month...they are just my style of whimsy and have been an inspiration as my hubby and I continue to plant, shape, and grow ours. Thank you. ox~ Fairmaiden
Rachel, your style has been an inspiration to me ever since the days when your show first came out. I am glad to see you are still hanging in there...and though I can't quite afford anything on your new couture site, I have still been able to make my home look nice by following your guidelines, without spending a lot of money.
I was thrilled to see the chalkware religious statues you show now -these painted statues remind me of my convent/catholic school days, and they can still be found for a fair, if not very inexpensive price.
You are a beautiful woman and a great inspiration.
Beautiful post - I just loved it. You create such beauty - Thank you.....Pauline
Way to go with the openings of 3 stores! Wish I lived closer to one of them so I could experience it-hopefully one day! Thank you for all your wonderful inspiration!!
What a lovely post Rachel. You've inspired me for years, not only creatively, but also as a fellow business owner. I look forward to reading your new book and the endless amount of inspiration I'm certain it will bring.
All the best and much continued success in your creative endeavors!
I loved your post, read and reread it. Enjoyed your pics especially the one of you behind the scenes, sitting and possibly reflecting
You are awesome.
Michelle Ann
Hi,
I am struck by how deliberate you are in choosing to look for inspiration. I could use more of that in my own life. I'm also curious if you still incorporate the more simple, "zen" aesthetic in your decorating as I remember from your tv show?
I love the pictures of your idea notebook- bursting, full of promise! Hello from the Philippines! Patsy from
HeARTworks
I remember reading your first book and how excited I was to see what I wanted to surround myself with but just didn't know how to get there. Thank you for the inspiration and the freedom it gives me to feather my nest! Have a wonderful day!
Rachel, I feel the same way , when an idea comes to fruition. I lay in bed at night, decorating my booth in my head. I don't sleep much anymore, but I'm happy.
The next best feeling is when others appreciate my vision, ie. by buying my goods or other dealers I respect liking what I did.
So excited to discover that you have a blog...and it's gorgeous, of course. I would expect nothing less from you. ;-) I'm a follower now!
Dreamy, Heavenly, Romantic~Oh My! I could stare at your creations all day! Grace and Blessings, ~Crystal
Congratulations for your deserved success!!
Your IDEA BOOK is adorable!
Ciao
Giulia
Hello Rachel... I am such a big fan of yours... as I was re~reading my copy of your newest book tonight, on page 33 you are sitting in your "hodgepodge room" by a beautiful little gold table with a lamp on it... I believe it is the same as on your header... I noticed my little table I bought for $10.00 several years ago in a second hand shop is almost identical! I posted about it on my blog, idyllhours.blogspot.com with pictures of both... I did not see an email address for you... if by chance you could drop by my blog and let me know anything you can about my table... thanks so much... Julie Marie email idyllhours@q.com
What a lovely post. I'm a person that loves everything shabby chic. I have began combing the local thrift stores and pretty much anywhere for inspiration. Thank you for everything you've done to inspire and continue this movement. :)
Love the shabby chic and love the tea table you set. Thinking that will be some inspiration for my daughters wedding is Sept!!
As an artist this really spoke to me because I love the idea of the wait, the patience, to let the ideas bloom!
Karena
Art by Karena
You are such an inspiration when it comes to creativity. .! I love your style,simply stunning!
Rachel, Some people are just gifted decorators and I think you are the kind of person that has the gift. I love your pictures. They are so gorgeous with the shabby and the chic.
Beautiful photos and sentiments, love your style and philosophy.
....Thank YOU for the inspiration!...I just bought one of your cushions @ Target!..it inspires me to keep using my vintage fabrics to create!...Thank you!
great inspirations!! I like the work.
http://leblogdemasha.blogspot.com/
Lovely to see glimpses of what inspires you.
Having followed your blog from it's very beginings and having been a fan for umpteen years, I have nominated you for a Beautiful Blogger Award :).
Hello,
I came over by way of Dusty Lu. Your post is beautiful very inspiring. I love your new website and images! You are inspiration to all of us who love to decorate "shabby chic" style. I love the elegant simplicity of your style. I love white and your use of it is very inspiring. I am hoping someday soon you will open a shop in central Florida.
~ Tracy
I loved the theatrical photo. The perfect combination of rough and pretty. Blessings... Polly
Just found your blog through a give away. I am delighted to find this. I hope to be inspired! Beautiful thoughts and pictures here.
Dear Rachel,
I so enjoyed my visit with you in London. Your shop is fabulous and I certainly have that wonderful "Mushy" chair in my inspiration book.
I have posted about your Grand Opening on my blog and will follow up with some great pictures of your shop. Come by and I hope that if you are ever in Alabama you will visit my Shabby Old House.
Hugs and Best wishes.
Becky
www.oneshabbyoldhouse.blogspot.com
I love your ideas and your products in general. I have just opened a store on the island of crete. Though not french in style, I am sure you would find some inspiration in some cretan villages where "shabbiness" is just everywhere you look. My dream is to buy an old house and 'renovate' it (as less as possible!).Pity I can't find your products here in Greece so i could have them in my store - they are just what I always look for!!!!!!!!!!
Rachel, it would be awesome if there was a catalog or online store - which would drive you nuts- for those of us who want your pretties but cant get to the stores due to be so far away
I just emailed the NY store ....I so want one of your ruffled tablecloths in linen any chance I can order one ? many thanks L
I have loved your "stuff" since the first day I saw it. You inspire me greatly toward my own art and creativity. Love the idea book. Those three "theatrical" girls on the couch need to EAT! They look FAINT!
Rachel,
I LOVE your quote, "The manifistation of anything tht is created from being inspired, from something of depth and substance, often carries a little extra element of specialness." Those words ring so true! I will share that w/my special friends who believe and have the same philosophy. Thank you!
Sue
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It's so inspiring me a lot. I have more ideas about my home.
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