Clockwise from top: Silhouette Easter Eggs by Le Papier Studio, Square-Patterned Eggs by Martha Stewart, Chalkboard Eggs by The Red Thread, Monogrammed Place Marker Egg as featured in Ladies’ Home Journal

Silhouette Easter Eggs by Le Papier Studio as featured on The Shopping Mama, Glittered Sticker Eggs by Martha Stewart

You’ve helped the kids create their own Easter eggs, now it’s time for mom to break out her mad crafting skills and blow everyone away at Easter brunch with eggs that are both functional (you CAN eat them after all) and decorative. Silhouette eggs nested together make for a charming accent placed at either end of the table, or bring a little sparkle in with glittered sticker eggs. Mark the place of each guest with their own monogrammed egg or jot a personalized message on a chalkboard egg. We’re also loving the idea of keeping little ones occupied during the meal by placing a few pieces of colored chalk tied with raffia beside their egg as a handy “blank canvas” to unleash their creativity on. Decorate, celebrate and eat up!

Sure, we could woo you with a few simple pictures of our new Pine Cone Hill arrivals. After all, the bedding collections are certainly irresistible, and we now have table linens and fabric by the yard. All of that is pretty enticing on its own, but we thought to ourselves: “If a picture is worth a thousand words, what would a whole LOT of fabulous photos be worth? And can we make it even easier for our customers to shop this amazing line?” Click on any of the images below to view the collection with a full gallery of photos to be inspired by. Vote for your favorite collection and let us know what you think of our new Pine Cone Hill galleries!

Clockwise from top: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hob Bag in Cream, Laura Mercier bronzer, Maybelline “The Colossal” Mascara, signature colors of nay, white and linen, DL Rhein Double Conch Embroidered Pillow, DL Rhein Sea Grass Embroidered Pillow, Aidan Gray Eli Dining Arm Chair in Dark Linen, Lyon Mirror

We’ve long admired the savvy styling of Camille Styles, from her candy-colored bejeweling for the Kendra Scott Flagship Store Grand Opening to her chic sophistication in Monochromatic Monday blog posts. We’re thrilled to bring her talent to the Layla Grayce Backroom Blog as a contributor spotting trends and translating them to fashion, home interiors, entertaining and lifestyle. Join us for Camille Talks Trends on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month! Camille shares her signature style with us today:

Give us a peek into your personal style, faves, inspirations and guilty pleasures!

• My signature touch on my styling: In my job, I design events with drastically different looks since my goal is making my client’s unique vision come alive. But for my own parties and interior design, I definitely gravitate towards the “orglamic” look (organic meets glamorous!) I love combining natural materials like wood and coral with gilded, sparky accents.
• What are your best tips for incorporating trends? Although I do gravitate towards timeless pieces in fashion and interior design, I love staying current on trends so that my look always feels fresh! For me, trends are about being unafraid to take some risks and always having fun with style. No need to take it too seriously! My typical uniform is a classic look, like a great white shirt and perfect-fitting dark jeans, paired with a trendier handbag and bold colorful jewelry.
• Signature colors: White, “Linen,” and Navy.
• I am inspired by: Traveling to new cities (esp. Mexico, Italy, and Paris!)
• Favorite Layla Grayce items you’d want in your home: Aidan Gray Eli Dining Arm Chair in Dark Linen, Lyon Mirror and the entire line of DL Rhein ocean-inspired pillows.
• Favorite coffee table book: Vanity Fair: The Portraits
• I cannot live without: My iPhone, Bliss Hand Creme and a Pilates Mat.
• Beauty product I use everyday: Laura Mercier bronzer and Maybelline “The Colossal” Mascara in black.
• Cause I care deeply about: Finding a cure for cancer, and supporting the needs of millions of cancer survivors. Livestrong is based here in Austin (where I live) and it’s amazing to be part of what the organization is doing to change the world.
• My favorite guilty pleasures: Oh no, so many! Reality TV (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and The Bachelor), Cookies & Cream Ice Cream, and weekly manicures.
• Signature fashion item: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hob Bag in Cream – goes with everything, works for every season and holds a TON.
• Websites or Blogs I frequent: coco+kelley for interior design inspiration, The Glamourai for fashion ideas, 101 Cookbooks for healthy recipes, and of course I’m working at CamilleStyles.com many, many times daily.
• 5 things that are in my handbag right now: iPhone, business cards, Burts Bees Lip Shimmer in watermelon, big black sunglasses, notebook for jotting down inspiration.
• You’d be surprised to know: I went to a semester of culinary school last year!
• If I could have a super power it would be: Having an amazing singing voice. Mine is so awful, that being the next Alicia Keys truly would be a true miracle!

Congrats to Jennifer Minter, our winner of this Sweet Ballerina!

Whether it’s scrambling to tie bows and coif hair for picture perfect looks or kids heading straight from bed to nibbling on chocolate bunny ears, a frenetic pace seems the norm for Easter morning. We found this delish muffin recipe by Patricia Scarpin to bring method to the madness. Make ahead for a quick breakfast or as part of an eggs-stravagant brunch. If you’re like us and the last rhubarb you saw was in your grandmother’s garden, Patricia says they’re equally delicious substituting strawberries. And don’t forget to nominate Patricia’s blog Technicolor Kitchen for Saveur’s 2011 Food Blog Awards!

Rhubarb White Chocolate Muffins
(adapted from Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston’s Flour Bakery + Cafe)
Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients:

• ~ 1 ½ cups + 1 ½ tablespoons all purpose flour
• ~ ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ~ 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ~ pinch of salt
• ~ 1 egg
• ~ 1 egg yolk
• ~ 2/3 cup caster (superfine) sugar
• ~ ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• ~ ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
• ~ ½ cup plain yogurt, room temperature
• ~ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ~ 1 ¼ cup rhubarb, chopped
• ~ ½ cup white chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line twelve 1/3-cup capacity muffin pans with paper liners.*

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg and egg yolk with a fork. Add the sugar, butter, milk, yogurt and vanilla and whisk until well combined. Pour the liquid ingredients into the large bowl and mix lightly with a fork. Add the rhubarb and the white chocolate and mix, again with the fork – do not overmix the batter or you’ll end up with tough muffins.

Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 15-18 minutes or until risen and golden – a skewer inserted in the center of a muffin should come out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then carefully remove from the pan and transfer to the wire rack to cool completely.

* Paper liners make unmolding muffins much easier since white chocolate chips may stick to sides of the muffin pan.

photo and recipe adaptation: © Technicolor Kitchen

Clockwise from top: Peacock Feather Digital Print Pillow, Geo Print Green Pillow, Balance Fuchsia Pillows with Orange Embroidery, Grandma’s bracelet, Nikon D80, crayons, Russell + Hazel Gold Leather Stash Sack, Bamboo Wingback Chairs in Crossroads Cyan, Carolyn Quartermaine Revealed

Clockwise from top: Wildflower 40×48, Foral Study 48×60, Fresh Blooms 30×40, Stand Tall Young One, Brunette Flamenco Dancer all by Kristina Bailey

Clockwise from top left: Beautiful Blonde Ballerina, Sweet Brunette Ballerina, designs for invitations created for Picture Perfect, 3D artwork created for Atlanta Elementary School project

Artist Kristina Bass Bailey brings a sweet, feminine and playful sense of whimsy to all her creations, with the ballerina series in particular bringing back fond childhood memories and capturing the imagination of artful little dancers. Oopsy Daisy reproduces the beauty of her loose brushwork and vivid colors on gallery-wrapped stretched canvases in her collection of art for children and the home. Let’s get to know Kristina better as she shares her artful design philosophy and signature style (plus she’s sharing a ballerina too!):

What art hangs in your home and what tips do you have for us to help us incorporate art into our decor?
My theory on design: Hang art, images and objects that bring you joy and a happy home will emerge. The vintage table top gumball machine that I received at the age of 5 lifts my spirits just as much as my cherished Pam Moxley “Deep Breath” photo that hangs in the entryway of our home. On my to-do list right now is framing a vintage pillowcase that my husband used as a child. Saturated with bright color, it holds fond memories for my husband and will add a nice dose of whimsy hung over a twin bed in our child’s bedroom. I am also hoping to stimulate creativity in my little one by hanging images and art with Umbra clips at her eye level down our hallway (an idea I borrowed from my own childhood). Finally, don’t wait until every painting is hung and your house perfectly accessorized before you start enjoying it. My husband and I like to practice hospitality on a regular basis, over the years this has meant hosting a dinner party or two with paintings propped against the wall not hung and a few paint cans stacked in the corner. My home is not perfect, but it is brimming with color and memories!

Give us a peek into your personal style, faves, inspirations and guilty pleasures!

• Signature colors: Green is my go to color (my sofa is mint green, my J.Crew winter coat is Kelly Green, and my Semikolon Clip board for making to do lists is grass green). Terra Cotta and Pale Blue make for great side kicks.
• Work I am most proud of: I am most proud when I push myself to try new things. In 2009, I started painting designs for an invitation company, Picture Perfect, and last year I tackled a project for an Atlanta Elementary school incorporating 3-D elements in my work.
• I am inspired by: At the moment I am totally inspired by and smitten with my little girl. Some days the only artistic tool I use is a crayon but you can do a lot with a crayon I have discovered!
• Favorite Layla Grayce items you’d want in your home: Peacock Feather Digital Print Pillow, Geo Print Green Pillow, Balance Fuchsia Pillows with Orange Embroidery, Bamboo Wingback Chairs in Crossroads Cyan
• Favorite coffee table book: Carolyn Quartermaine Revealed inspired me to pursue fabric design in college.
• Signature fashion item: a bracelet that my grandmother purchased before I was born. It’s gold and chunky and flashy! The cabochons look like clear epoxy over gold glitter…scrumptious!
• I cannot live without: My iMac, my Nikon D80 and my orange Crocs for studio days.
• In my handbag right now: Goody’s Spin Pin (by the end of the day my hair is in a bun), Mini Tape Measure, Black Sharpie Marker, Russell + Hazel Gold Leather Stash Sack in 2 sizes (1 for business receipts and 1 for coupons) and a Blue Zoo Animals Diapees & Wipees Case filled with Seventh Generation Diapers.
• My favorite guilty pleasures: Eating ice cream out of the carton + Getting lost in the blogosphere = Double Trouble!
• You’d be surprised to know: I have a repertoire of comedy sketches that I am perfecting…Marriage has provided me with a great audience!

IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME
Kristina and Oopsy Daisy are graciously offering one lucky winner the Sweet Ballerina canvas wall art. Comment below or on our Facebook page telling us what your favorite childhood activity was, and you are automatically entered to win. Contest ends Wednesday, 4/13/11.

Yarn Eggs from Family Fun Magazine, Easter Art Glittered with Crushed Egg Shells from Make and Takes, Bunny Finger Puppets from The Purl Bee

Bunny Pops from eighteen25, Fluffer Bunnies from Family Fun Magazine, Carrot Patch Cookies from Family Fun Magaazine

Bounce into the Easter season with some of the cutest craft ideas and treats for kids. Finger puppets and suspended yarn eggs are irresistibly adorable in pretty Spring colors, and we love the idea of repurposing eye dying duds, turning them into instant Easter egg glittered art pieces! Reward their efforts with mom-made bunny pops, hide fluffer bunnies about the house for little ones to find or let them create and dig in to their own sweet little carrot patch.

1. Currey and Company Tinker Pendant Light 2. Currey and Company Moonlight Pendant Light 3. Currey and Company Cuff Occasional Table 4. Arteriors Natural Iron Brass Latham Floor Lamp

1. Jamie Young Wired Mercury Glass Table Lamp 2. Aidan Gray Wire Pedestal Urn 3. AFK Art for Kids Furniture Country French Night Table in Patina 4. Aidan Gray Wire Laundry Basket with Linen Liner

Who would have imagined that simple and utilitarian wire could transform into the latest in home decor? From classic, traditional accents to something altogether more modern, wire is the latest shape shifter to transform itself into items ranging from delicate tables to unique lighting.

Sweeter than Peter Cottontail and guaranteed not to melt or cause kids to get all “hopped” up on sugar, Blabla bunnies are here! The hand knit colorful, cuddly characters are made from 100% cotton and are available in both mini and large sizes to fit any size Easter basket. Check out Balthazar, Mirabelle, Fleur and Pierre. These bunnies have lots of fun friends they hang with too. Shop the entire Blabla collection>

DREAM GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Complete entry form by end of day April 30, 2011 to be entered into the drawing for our $5000 Dream Nursery Giveaway which includes all the following products:

• Newport Cottages: Your choice of any crib (up to $1364 retail value) and changing table (up to $1467 retail value).
• DwellStudio: Your choice of crib bedding set (up to $360 retail value) and Tufted Wool Dots Rug in Petal or Sky ($550 retail value).
• Oopsy Daisy Art For Kids: Your choice of 2 pieces of wall decor (up to $138 retail value per item), 1 lamp ($138 retail value) and 1 nightlight ($25 retail value)
• Petunia Pickle Bottom: 1 Cake Hampton Holdall in Berry Chiffon ($335 retail value) plus 1 Powder Room Case ($28 retail value), 1 Travel Train Case ($42 retail value), 1 Wanderlust Wallet ($62 retail Value) and 1 I-Belong-To ID Tag ($12 retail value), all in Siesta in Sevilla print.
• Blabla Kids: 1 “Giant” Doll of winner’s choice (retail value $156) and 1 Dream Ring ($64 retail value)
• Barefoot Dreams: 1 Barefoot Buddy Security Blanket ($27 retail value), 1 Infant Gown/Hat Set (retail value $42) and 1 Signature receiving Blanket ($57 retail value)
• Layla Grayce: $500 Electronic Gift Certificate to be used to complete your registry or finish accessorizing your nursery.

Winner shall be selected from all entries submitted by the end of day 4/30/11. Only one (1) entry per person will be eligible for drawing. Winner will be notified by email and on our Layla Grayce social media sites (Blog, Facebook and Twitter). Shipping and delivery costs for all items are included. Enter now!

A special thanks to all our vendors listed above who have participated in our Dream Nursery Giveaway!

photo: CubeMe

Since it is April first, we thought we’d share some of the more “foolish” decorating ideas we’ve run across. Starting off with this gorgeous Baccarat chandelier complete with… umbrella? Granted, April is the time for showers, but this may be over preparing.

photo: Floto + Warner

Stripes and bold color are all the rage in fashion this season. Brightly colored striped rugs for home décor like this one? Maybe not so much. Although this one is quite durable since it’s made out of vinyl tape. Cozy!

photo: ChairCouture

We’re all for going green and we certainly love a good Bergere chair, but just looking at this makes us start to itch.

Malibu Barbie Dream House designed by Jonathan Adler

And while we adore Barbie, pardon us for thinking this is a little over the top. Wait, can we get a close up view of that chandelier? Could that actually be made of…?

photo: Mattel

Wow. Do you think blonde chandeliers have more fun?