The Table-scapes

posted about 1 year ago

In my own home, and also in my book, one of the exciting things that happened is I show people how to do these things called “table-scapes.” They’re really mini-installations – something you would see when you go to museums -- a group of objects that are all put together that emote a feeling. I’m talking to people about doing that in their own homes on coffee tables, in little areas, maybe even in the bathroom by the sink or wherever it makes sense. It is about finding objects and collecting them and putting them together in a different combination and then finding old scarves or bits of fabric that you have around or china collectibles and maybe some beads you haven’t worn for a while, then throwing some flowers into it. It’s just a personal statement and it’s really fun.

There’s an exciting thing that’s happened since my new book, “Making Yourself at Home,” has come out. I’ve been hearing on my website that people are coming up with amazing table-scapes of their own. That’s terrific because what I want to do with art and with design and with my home line and with all of the things that I’m doing, is to encourage people out there to discover the artist within themselves, to discover the designer inside. And it seems to be happening, and it’s really, really exciting because I don’t want to hear anyone say to me, “Oh, I can’t do that. I’m not an artist. I can’t draw. I can’t paint”. Everybody, everybody has a creative element within them, and they just have to discover it and try it, and realize that there are no mistakes.

Comments

Log in or sign up to reply.

1. about 1 year ago Lynn1 wrote:

The table-scapes along with the beautiful pictures are my favorite parts of your book. I have enjoyed making them myself around my home. I collect all kinds of things when I travel and I have them displayed in different hutches. Now I take them out to feature them in different table-scapes sharing them all the more. Thank you for the idea.

2. about 1 year ago Geri9254 wrote:

The flowers and candles and vases are lovely. I've always had one of sorts on my desk. It's arranged on a covered shelf organizer with collected souvenirs and treasures for when I need a moments respite from the day. I just never knew what to call it.

3. about 1 year ago preludeofjoy wrote:

I believe what you said is true, that everyone has a creative element within them. Creativity starts when we're very young. Words of encouragement and praise are important.

4. about 1 year ago bayarts wrote:

I call them "worldscapes" because I don't limit them to inside my home. Wherever I travel, I find myself creating little installations from found objects...be they rocks on the beach or leaflets on a public bulletin board.

Art is everywhere.

5. about 1 year ago Tommeycod wrote:

We have out of the way place on top of a floor speaker, in the living room, there are three rocks and two wooden branches, you would be amased at the different combinations or arrangements that our a 4 year old and 7 year old grand kids can make with them. :-)

6. about 1 year ago dakinime wrote:

Jane,
nice idea

I still laugh when Dharma and Greg is aired--the episode with you and Dharma lol

7. about 1 year ago mimosa48 wrote:

Huh?

8. about 1 year ago seawitch302 wrote:

Unfortunately, I cannot have a tablescape because of my 2 yr. old grandaughter living with me, but I have been doing the same type of thing with my fireplace mantle and the wall above it. I change it along with the seasons.

9. about 1 year ago nanafox wrote:

I haven't had the privlege of reading your book but after seeing your comments and what other people here on this site has said, I think it is a beautiful idea. I once captured autum in mason jars. Beautiful fallen leaves, acorns any nuts, seeds grains....then I tried to extend it to winter and all I found was a twig with a cacoon , but to my delight and surprise when my spring came so did the butterfly. nanafox

10. about 1 year ago hudwriter wrote:

I'm curious about your experience of writing a book. As an English teacher, I learned that everyone is and can write. I believe that is the same as everyone can draw, or sing, or act. What gets confused is how long it takes. Writing is a messy, recursice process that is not respected in school. The standard is to "write well" the first time, every time. That's not how good writing is done. In other words, talent is believed to be time. That's not true. Given enough time and support, everyone can write a book, paint a picture, create and "tablescape".
Do you believe this is true?

11. about 1 year ago GoldenLeaves wrote:

I have been doing some of the "table-scapes" in my home as well as at the office. Since I spend quite a few hours at the office, I wanted to make it as enjoyable as possible to be there. I have made it up in a theme such as a lodge-look, with lots of nature and animals ( red foxes and wolves primarily ). I am fortunate that my office has a large picture window that faces the outdoors with lots of trees, birds and squirrels, so it is very fitting for this look. I have been collecting red foxes and wolves for a long time now and they have found quite a few areas to be in at home and at work. Thank you for sharing more of your ideas.

12. 5 months ago notmini wrote:

And you are so right. I used to believe I have no talent at all and no inclination whatsoever to music or drawing. Then I started gathering up some sites like collage artist, collage art, online art gallery and realized that the simplest thing can be regarded as art if only it's creator puts a bit of him in it. I started doing some table-scapes and changing them each week. All my visitors were amazed and said I have quite a talent when it comes to putting things together in an aesthetic manner.