Living in Europe I learned what a well-made bed was...the sheets fell just right because of their weight, colors were so different, the embroidery and monograms breathtaking and goose down comforters. That’s when fabrics started really “talking” to me.
K: Tell me about your assortment of fine collectibles if you have more than pillows.
J: There is the danger that once I buy more than one of something I love, it can lead to a collection. Over the years, various collections have ebbed and flowed, but the mainstays have been books (I’ve always collected books), tartan ware is a favorite, antique trims, one-of-a-kind costumes and I am always on the hunt for ecclesiastical embellishments (yes, I’m bound to be damned for all time.) I love finding oddities, such as glass eyeballs and famous writers Funeral Cards. I am always on the lookout for Victorian bamboo and paisleys.
K: When did you open Grass Harp Interiors?
J: I opened The Grass Harp Antiques and Design Shop in Stone Ridge, New York in the early 90’s. There was such a wealth of good pickings in that part of the country that I always had interesting goods and jobs from clients from the city who had country houses. It was such a fantastic experience. I wanted to name my business after a favorite story by Truman Capote, and I couldn’t very well call it “In Cold Blood Antiques.”
K: Do you have a certain area of expertise in design?
J: I really enjoy working the colors for interiors. I can remember a paint color from 15 years ago, but can’t remember where I parked my car. Paint is such an exhilarating part of interior design. In particular working with light and transitions from room to room – that’s often the hardest decision for a client to make – where does one room/color and another begin.
K: Have you made the fabrics into hanging tapestries,etc, and I did see a chair
covered in the Forest Fables.
J: Many clients have come to me with a fabric or I have found a special piece for them, and I have made wall hangings, fabric screens and throws. Everyone needs a one-of-akind chair for some corner of their home. Partnering a unique fabric with the right style furniture piece is always exciting. It can set an interior apart.
K: Tell me about The Forest Fables Collection:
J: I found the Otomi Indian embroidered fabric in the small village of Tenango de Doria in Hidalgo in the Sierra Madre Mountains, Mexico. I loved the traditional multi colored weaving, but I requested all one color for this collection. Each piece is hand made by the women of the villages and they use no patterns or even draw a design on the fabric.
Each animal, fauna and insect comes from their imagination. No two are alike and I never get tired of looking at them. I have made throws, table cloths for restaurants, bed headboards and pillows in every size and shape. The embroidery is done so well that you can turn the covers inside out and wash them. These pillows have a hidden zipper, small piping and down inserts.
Jane, Thank you so much for the excellent interview and Giveaway!
Images Courtesy of Empress of the Eye
Write or call me for quotes on original works of art or custom commisions!
Art by Karena
Kara from Elements Interiors sent me a luscious Candle from her collection of the scent White Tea Yum!
Thank you so much my dear blogger friends!!
Thank you so much!
K: Tell me about your assortment of fine collectibles if you have more than pillows.
K: Have you made the fabrics into hanging tapestries,etc, and I did see a chair
