I adore Rose Tarlow. It’s hard not to admire someone who can instantly take you to a happy place through their beautiful designs. Inspiration from Rose Tarlow.
Inspiration from Rose Tarlow
I am not the first to profess such adoration. Many others have come before me. Bloggers such as Brooke from Velvet and Linen and Joni, from Cote de Texas, who has several posts in which she poetically weaves words of admiration in a way in which only she can.
But I am perhaps the first to devote an entire school semester to sketching Ms. Tarlow’s designs. I first tried to sketch her Sol mirror. It was not one of my better sketches. I soon found out that creating the illusion of a reflective surface is quite difficult.
I have saved my copies of Veranda and Architectural Digest that feature her work. They are well worn from being thumbed through so often.
Did you happen to notice the table in the above photo? I believe it might be the piece which inspired her Louis XIII side table. Swoon.
This was just one drawing in the final sketchbook that I had to present. The majority of my book contained sketches that represented her designs.
But do you think that I would even attempt to draw her most famous piece? You know the one. Even Hollywood loves this piece of furniture.
Things That Inspire wrote an entire blog post about this table. The Nantucket Table.
After my mother unexpectedly passed away a few weeks ago I wanted to be anywhere but a classroom drawing a room that had to feature a staircase. So I transported myself through my pen to a lovely beachside home.
Indeed I did draw that table. I hope someday to own it.
I also took inspiration from a favorite lamp style…
…and a coveted settee.
I got a B- on the drawing. Humph! I think instead I will let you guys grade me.
Do you know how hard it is to draw realistic columns? I’m still practicing.
I think I have gotten better at reflection (hence the chandelier arm in the mirror) as well as reflective surfaces ( like the faucet).
Space Planning
In the end, I received an “A” in my Drawing and Rendering class, all four of my classes actually. But that class was the class I wanted to quit.
Yesterday, as my Space Planning instructor was returning our final projects she announced that she gave out only one perfect score on the final project. She said she went over the entire project with her architectural scale double checking all of the dimensions thinking it couldn’t be possible. But she could find no errors. She then said that this was the same student who missed over two weeks of class due to a car accident and her mother passing away. As she handed me my project I burst into tears. I sobbed all the way home.
But now it is time to celebrate.
So, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go enjoy a Smarty Pants Dance.
Laura
Hi, I'm new to your blog…I found you via My Romantic Home. First, I'd like to send you my condolences on the passing of your Mother. I, too, lost my mother in 2006 and a day doesn't go by that I don't think of her.
Also, I'm sorry to hear about the auto accident. I hope that you and everyone involved are o.k.
Lastly, I have to tell you what talent you have!!! Congratulations on the perfect grade! Your drawings are phenomenal…the Nantucket Table is a gorgeous rendering! I'm so glad to have found your lovely blog and look forward to following you!
xoxo Beth
Well done! I'm so impressed,with your drawing and your life skills!
you did it!
You are doing so well, sugar! I'm impressed, but I also knew you could do it and survive your trials! 😉
xoxo,
Connie
Amazing work!! Love it..hope you get a chance to stop by My Dream Canvas!!
Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! I love love love the photos and your sketches!!! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
LAURA—MISS LAURA!!!!!
OH I AM SOOOO VERY HAPPY for you!!!!!
HATS OFF TO YOU!!!!
GREAT JOB seem so small and not quite the right adjectives, but for me that is saying it all!!!!
WAY to go and way to impress!!!!!SO HAPPY for you!!!!
Hugs and more hugs,
jamie
I need to take you out to lunch for such a fine job, well how about SOUTH MOUNTAIN FARM??????
Continue your smarty pants dance!! That is soooooo wonderful!! I will add to your smarty pants dance with a happy dance just for you!! *happy dance ensues*
Looooove your drawings, A+++ for everything.
Enjoy your weekend darling, you deserve it!
xoxo,
Bonnie
Congratulations on your perfect score, even more gratifying after all of the hard work that you clearly put into it!
I adore Rose Tarlow furniture. Every time I go to California I resolve to go visit her store in LA, but I must admit that the thought of driving around LA intimidates me – it seems to spread out. Maybe next time!
That was amazing. Such a nice sketch. Thanks for sharing.
Good for you, Laura! You did it! : ) Your drawings are wonderful.
beautiful work, Laura! your drawings are amazing. i am showing them to my daughter who needs to develop confidence in that area–as proof of what she can do if she will persevere! (the one with the piano recital)
congratulations! So proud of you!
Rose Tarlow's style is timeless. I still drool over her own home whenever I leaf through her book.
Your drawings are just beautiful and charming!
I'm dancing with you!!!
xo
Brooke
Love your drawings!!
And that ladies and gentlemen, is how a star home designer is born!
Tah-Dah! Beautiful drawings and renderings.
Congrats my friend. When is graduation?
Deborah
Congratulations! You should be so proud of yourself not only for the only perfect score but for 4 “A” grades! Your drawings are amazing–I always struggle with perspective, but you've got it.
Celebrate–you certainly deserve it!
Let's do the dance! I knew you would succeed! Sweet Victory! Hugs!!!!!!!!!
I'm so happy for you Laura! Congratulations 🙂
On the other hand, I'm so sorry to just now learn about your mom's passing. My heart goes out to you sweet friend. I'll just bet she's up there cheering for you right now though.
(((hugs)))
rue
Congrats on your project! I am so pleased your hard work paid off. And, I remember what hard work projects were. I pulled many all nighters! Interior design isn't a major for the faint of heart.;)
I believe your talent knows no bounds! And I give you an A+!
The beach house rendering is especially touching as you honor your mother's memory. No stairways just yet. My mother passed away three years ago ~ today. I cherish her memory too.
Wow!!! Oh the talent you have…wish I knew how to build such pieces. So sorry to hear about your Mom. My prayers will be sent your way~ xoxo Susie
Hi Laura!
I LOVE Dance in Smarty Pants! I am doing it right now….:):)
Thanks so much for stopping by The Katillac Shack!
Your sketches of Rose Tarlow's work are wonderful!
The Rose Tarlow chair is one of my fav's…with the long skirt.
Have a great weekend!
love, kelee
Hi Laura! Hope you're doing well. Glad you made it through so well. I also LOVE Rose Tarlow! So transcendent. I enjoyed your post. Thanks for taking the time to come by!
Jacqueline
So many pretties! Love your header…it's dreamy! Am following your lovely blog.
Thanks for visiting,
Nancy
Well deserved Laura!! I do indeed remember how difficult finals week and college in general was at the tender age of 21. I cannot imagine trying my hand at it now and then having the success you have earned through your determination and dedication. I hope you are taking the summer off and will be having some fun!
Hey!! CONGRATULATIONS ON A PHENOMENAL JOB!!! I am so proud of you…smarty pants dance….”you are smart–S-M-R-T!” (ha ha ha..Homer Simpson quote). I LOVED that table, too! Well done and bravo!! Love & hugs, Tara
Oh my the Nantucket table has my heart! Thank you for stopping by,
hugs,
olivia
I am jumping up an down with joy and rejoicing with you over your final grades!!!! Laura, you shared your dream with me and your story truly continues to inspire me to this day. It is such an honor to see your hard work pay off. I can't think of a more deserving person than you to receive such accolades! Dance your pants off girl you earned it. Enjoy the weekend with your family!
HOOTY HOO for you! I'm doing the smarty pants dance for you! 🙂 Your drawings are awesome!!!!! Congrats!!
~Liz
Dear heavens! Those sketches are lovely. I think the B- was out of jealousy… she probably thought it was TOO lovely.
You should sketch your own Christmas cards. I bet they'd be lovely.
So you thought turning off the comments would stop me???
I am so proud of you. Good for you….I know how many times you thought about stopping, but you kept on keeping on….
Enjoy the celebrations!!
Dear Laura,
I am so unbelievably happy for you! You have accomplished so much and you are such an inspiration to everyone out there. Your sketches above are just wonderful, BTW! Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your story and I hope you have the most wonderful weekend.
Blessings,
Sandi
You are extremely talented:)
And you are such an inspiration of determination. I loved your post on your achievement of getting your degree. Amazing what God can do when we let him huh?!! May He continue to be with you and bless you as you continue your schooling journey – we are never too old to learn:)
Then I hope this comment is on as you probably will never know how many lives you touched today…Beautiful post….
Hi Laura,
A beautiful post and story. Congratulations on reailizing the dream. Rory
Congrats on your perfect grade and being the only one in the class! You are very talented and should be very proud of yourself!
Thanks for linking my Flaunt it Friday party, please come back next week! 🙂
What inspiration! Thanks for stopping by to look at my planter chairs and for your kinds words! And congrats on the graduation!
Happy Day,
Jasey @ crazy Daisy
http://www.crazyjayzplace.blogspot.com
I wasn't able to comment on your newest post, but that you so much for visiting my blog and your inspiring graduation story! Congratulations! That is a HUGE accomplishment!
Girl, you are killing me with your NO COMMENTS on the post above. I cried. I am so very proud of you, not only that you made it, you reached this big goal, you perservered. But also that God more than made up for your loneliness as a child by giving you your darling family.
What a Mom you are, what an amazing role model for your children, and everyone else. I admire you so much, and you have been in prayers often. I have quietly been rooting you on. SO YAY!!!!! much love, Lidy
{I dare you to put those comments ON that post, it's okay if it's all about you, you are supposed to shine and glow and be lauded}
Thanks so much for stopping by my site! I read your post before you came over and was glad you stopped by. I tried to comment on your post but the comments are disabled on that particular one. your post brought tears to my eyes and I felt like I really understood what you have experienced with your plans being constantly derailed along the way. Thank you for reminding me that in the end, temerity and constancy wins the race!
Hello my friend
I want you to know, I cried when I read you got a perfect score! 🙂 I know how hard this last semester was for you and I'm SO SO proud of you for all your accomplishments…and graduating with you daughter, what could be better than that!!! 🙂
I just read your post about graduating and had no idea you had such a hard childhood. I just wanted to smack the counselor that told you to be a secretary… ARGH! Don't people know they are suppose to build up dreams in kids, not squash them! Makes me angry! I'm glad you proved him wrong…you should mail him a copy of your degree. LOL hee hee hee
I love friend, and I am so very proud of all your accomplishments…. you make me think there's nothing I can't do if I try hard enough. 🙂
Blessings to you!
Hugs
Melissa
sneaky girl – disabling comments for your graduation post.
ok, i am crying. i had NO idea the story of your life. i am in awe of you and your dedication. amazing. i complain about the stupidest things yet life was handed to me on a silver platter. this was a real eye opener.
I'm so completing inspired by you. You are amazing. Good luck in the future – you deserve it all.
Oh Laura, You are truly an inspiration to everyone, I wish everybody could read your blog, what you have gone through and what you have accomplished…Christine
Hi Laura. Congratulations on the project and thanks for stopping by my blog the other day. I meant to get over here sooner. Hope you have a terrific week.
Hi Laura,
Wow! What an amazing life story! First of all, I want to say congrats on your huge accomplishment! You should be so proud! And secondly, I am so sorry that you lost your parents so very young. I had goosebumps as I read your post, really, I did! How neat that you lived in Crete and Germany! Hubby & I went to Greece 6 years ago & loved it. We have also been to Neuschwansteain (sp?), and it really does look like a fairy tale castle! Best wishes to you, and thank you so much for visiting, and for your kind words!
Laura, how proud I am of you & your strength to forge ahead … my words are always to all 'you CAN do anything, if you want to'. You are one heck of a beautiful woman who sets a marvelous example of 'how to' & 'forge ahead'. God bless you sweet friend … and congratulations to your beautiful daughter.
He walks with us
He holds us up
He gives us strength
In all we face.
Hugs & pride in you, Marydon
Are you related to the Little House of the Prairie Laura Ingalls? 🙂
Always wanted to ask…hehe
WOW! I know you've switched comment off by I just had to say what an amazing life you've had! Congratulations to you and your daughter on a fab achievement!
You brought tears to my eyes!
I've recently had some difficult times too, so I can somewhat relate to the fact blogging and friends can get you through them…
My fave poem is footprints in the sand…
Thank you for your comment over at Bird Crafts, and please come back as often as you can!
btw, you really think about writing a book! You have so may fab stories to tell!! Loved the pictures of Crete almost reminded me of mama Mia! 🙂
Love and hugs,
Bird
And when I wrote that I though to myself: “she's gonna think I'm mad..”!!
But I am in the presence(?) of legend! 🙂 I looooove Little House on the Prairie…but I guess you're probably tired of hearing that!
Soo cool! I bet you have tons of stories to tell…see? I would definitely buy your book! 🙂
Oh, and your sketches are to die for!
Laura,
Your life and story are so inspiring!! I know you and your family will always achieve your dreams because the love you have for each other and your goals just shines through every post you write.
Congratulations!!!!
And thank you so much for sharing!
♥Becky
Thanks for sharing your story with us, I loved all the pics, you look fabulous! you are very strong and determined and I'm sure you have raised your kids with the same values. Congratulations to you and your daughter.
so so awesome! thank you for the message on my blog! i was blessed that i graduated before children! i couldn't imagine the grueling hours and papers if i had to take care of my children and do it! you are one amazing person to do that! and your blog is so gorgeous! love all the pics and images you've chosen!
Congratulations !Your life Story is very inspiring !
Blessings,
~Myrna
I am so happy to have found your blog and your talent! I look forward to reading your posts!
Following you through Tag Along Tuesday.
Stop by when you get a chance!
http://waterwaif.blogspot.com
Hi Laura
It's Sam from Mom Undecided (the one with the messy room!) I'm going to take some of your advice about eating the elephant one bit at a time. So you're name and blog will be posted on mine on Thursday (5/20) and I just wanted to give you a heads up – and thanks for your comment!
Sam
http://momundecided.blogspot.com/
I tried to comment on your Ultimate DIY post, but was unable to. Just wanted to say what a great post! And thank you so much for linking it up to Be Inspired today.
Chelsea
i love that little table! you are so talented, i can't wait to read more! congrats on the achievement of your graduation dreams!
I read your story of the long road to degree and was impressed to the point of tears. Congratulations to you and your daughter, and your family. I wanted to post this comment on the appropriate blog, but the “blog administrator” was denying any new comments.
I came to see this blog after your comment on Susan's at BNOTP re; the Rose Tarlow table. I never heard of Rose Tarlow before! I feel so behind! And I just learned about bottle trees a few days ago. Where have I been!
But this was a great blog for many other reasons as well. Good for you for your tenacity!
Holly