Spring Wreaths

I made several wreaths this morning using a mix of flowers that have arrived in the last few days. we have a good mix of hydrangeas, fressia, and tulips. The forsythia has arrived and is the perfect shade of yellow. It really is surprising how realistic silk flowers have become in the last few years. many of the wreaths made up on the floor have a good mix of colors from orange, yellow, red, purple, and white. The bird nests that started this complete idea of classic nature are the right detail to finish a wreath. The guys and i have been thinking about offering some free design classes during the day to show clients how we make spring wreaths. I guess we could take the idea in any direction with just inviting people to watch us make anything--such as a table arrangement or swag. anyway, I am very pleased with all the new arrivals and how "springy" the showroom has become. Stuart said yesterday that about 6 shipments are to arrive in the next few days. within the shipments, a new scented candle line that has some unique scents, Root candle company is returning to showroom, the battery operated pillars we sold out last year are on the way, a large shipments of more spring flowers are also on their way from California, and the list continues. It really is quite funny how nervous we all were about going into this new spring venture, but everything that's on the showroom floor, I want it all. Maybe this Spring I'll actually have a wreath on my door----most of the time everybody elses house is finished but mine gets Nothing! Not this time, can't wait to get the wreath hung up and some pansies in the pots outside the door. Til next time...

Spring decor has arrived!!

Much of the decor that was ordered in Atlanta is coming in and all of us seem to be very happy with everything. Much of what has arrived has a very transitional feel that can be easily adapted to many styles. Every time I walk through the shop it really feels good. Very fresh and classic. Spring with a sense of class. Fresh and classic with all the birdnests and glass jars. One very simple idea was to fill the large jar with pink water which we did by putting red food coloring in the water to create a soft pink hue. Beautiful and simple!!! I truly believe that those who haven't seen what is completed at this time will really been surprised. Can't wait for all other stuff to arrive!

We must be doing something right.....!

Well, here we are, the first full week in February...and well...we have been somewhat busy...FOR FEBRUARY! If you haven't heard, we are doing Spring! For the first time ever! And the reception to what we have been doing is extremely comforting and encouraging! I have to admit that we were a little concerned to how Spring would go over with our loyal following. It was just so different than what we have done in the past! To combat that, we have "in some way" approached Spring in the same way that we have done Fall and Christmas. Just wait until you see our Spring chandelier at the front of the store!

I think it is so interesting how at this moment we are covered in snow...and yet people are buying birds nests...tulips...forsythia...ranunculus...snowballs....by the bunches... I guess we are really ready to be over with Winter!

I think all of our backs are finally back in check after receiving all of our decorative concrete urns and pieces. I just can't get over the fact of how inexpensive these pieces are. But I will tell you this, what they lack in price does not follow in lack of weight! Heating pads and Tylenol were friends of mine for about a week after they came in.

Another amazing fact to me is how our furniture has been doing. Three years ago, we were terrified at the idea of buying furniture and home decor...because let's face it...we were a "365 a year Christmas store". Now fast forward to the current, and it seems like a perfect fit!

To be bluntly honest....furniture is flying out the door. We've had a little French chest that was out the door within minutes of showing up...that was followed by many other pieces. I think my favorite piece is the dining room table that we have near the front of the store...it's gorgeous. Everyone who comes in, sits down at the table and just shakes their heads with aw. We've actually even had problems trying to decide what to put on the table...because we don't want to cover it up. It has this beautiful centered "compass" like inlay...and we just can't bring ourselves to cover it up with anything.

Well I guess I should get out on the floor and do some work....it's turning out to be exciting 2007 early! I can't wait for the rest to follow....

Chamber Dinner...Outside the Box!

5 years in the running, and this year was one of our most inventive and outside of the box!

Using flowers not commonly used, like the agapanthus shown on the left, combined with other medias such as electrical wire, fish tank rock, and l.e.d. lightining, the industrial look and feel was passed into each and every flower arrangment!

Working with Katie Hardwick, Event Director for Lexington Chamber of Commerce, our transition this year into such an industrial, "loft" feel, will sure be the talk of the dinner, and surely the cutting edge of designs to come!

Stay tuned! We have many ideas and conceptions for 2007!

Planning an event? We are here...to make it unique, personal, and exclusively for you!

Our First Blog!

Thanks for coming to our Blog! We at The Corman Marketplace are very excited about this new addition to our website!

You may be wondering what exactly a blog is, well the concept is very simple. A blog is a space online (basically a messageboard) where people are able to interact in conversation pertaining to opinions, products, services, design ideas...the list is endless.

Here's how it works: either Stuart, Dwayne, or myself will start a Post/Topic on our Design Blog. You then have the ability to read the blog's post, and then give us comments or your reactions to what we have spoken about. You are able to leave your thoughts by clicking on the word "comments" at the bottom of our Post/Topic. You have the ability to leave a message with your name attached or anonymously just by clicking the buttons under the space where you are allowed to leave you message.

Here is an example of the "big picture" of blogging. I start a post about Spring Florals. Then someone could leave a comment that's really a question about what colors could she use in a floral for Spring that would also last throughout the rest of the year. Then possibly yourself could write a comment letting others know what has worked for yourself... and then the dialogue just keeps going and others keep joining. Now you see why we are excited!

Well now that you understand, start reading our other posts (others to come soon) and let us know what's on your mind!!!

Thanks so much@!