CHOW time

In junior high school I was part of a mentorship program where the students selected two occupations of interest. Our teachers then set up internships for us within the community. My two dream jobs back then were an architect and fashion designer. [I am neither now, but I live vicariously through my dear friend Martha.] Since junior high my list of "dream" jobs has grown quite long. Although right now I have to say designing and making handmade goods is a pretty sweet gig. One job on my "would-love-to-try-it-out-for-a-day" list is being a photo stylist. And recently I had a chance to do just this!

A few months ago an editor at CHOW contacted me about designing a Thanksgiving centerpiece for one of their upcoming stories. Since I love decorating and entertaining I thought this was something right up my alley. I had so much fun putting together a tablescape which was influenced by my love of neutrals, texture and organic shapes. You can read the full story here [more detailed photographs below]. I really love Cate Kellison's [Rose & Radish] modern woodland tablescape and Victoria Smith's [SF Girl By Bay] vintage + eclectic centerpiece. [Design-inspired stories is a new area CHOW is delving into, so if you like this story and would like to see more in the future, please be sure to leave a comment/feedback on the CHOW site.]

:: gingko nuts in glass cup :: handmade cup cover :: Japanese fabric + handmade linen buttons ::

:: acorns in glass cup :: linen cup cover ::

:: namecards ::

:: names printed on strips of linen ::

:: hand sewn on to linen leafs ::

:: linen leaf tree :: linen + cotton patchwork runner ::

A big thank you to Michele over at CHOW for making this such a wonderful experience!

Comments

[Rachel]

Amazing beautiful & simple... I love it!! :)

[cindy k]

that was the surprise i was hoping for - something in a "magazine". it looks wonderful as always. congratulations shim (i love how they refer to you by your last name :)).

[Mama Urchin]

So beautiful Sally. Funny that your dream jobs are Martha's jobs. I guess you just wanted to be Martha when you grew up.

[Sonya]

I love dream jobs that become a reality. Whoo hoo! It is a lovely table, you have a very recognizable aesthetic - calm, spare and beautiful. And I think I have written about feelings for linen. Love!

[meg]

I really like the colors--they are reminicent of the season without being the standard.

[liz]

it looks gorgeous!
i love it - congratulations!

[Danielle]

Do you make coasters?

[Kelly]

how fun - I love that little tree!

[Jan]

It is beautiful, Sally! I love everything you make. Any luck that you will have a book coming with patterns and instructions for all the beautiful things you make?

[stacey]

It's so cool! I especially love the name card. Congrats!!

[anh-minh]

Yay! I'm so glad you detailed the components of your setting. It's gorgeous and inspirational. Congrats on the stellar styling!

[lourdes]

Sally, this is absolutely amazing. I love all the details... the color, the way you made place cards out of leaves, the vase covers, etc. Truly gorgeous! I am so happy for you!

[hannah]

sally this is so great!! your table is so lovely, and so you!

[lisa s]

gorgeous sally. just fantastic!!

[jen b]

wow sally! the table looks incredible. your vision and creativity never cease to amaze me. be careful you may be looking at a new occupation.

[tracy]

gorgeous sally! xo

[martha]

This is amazing. The design and colors and light....and how wonderful that CHOW featured you!
You really do need your own magazine...
beautiful.

[Lery]

Love your organic simple beautiful handmade goods. I am still waiting for your book of "Made by Sally Shim + Sons"

[Sally]

beautiful - I love the earthy colours and the ginkgo nuts which I've never seen before. Congrats on the CHOW feature!

[Belinda]

This is beautiful Sally.
Being from Australia I'm a little confused though- what is Chow?
A magazine, a tv show?
Anyway, your work really looks amazing.

[erin]

wow! look at you! it's all gorgeous, sally.

[Blair]

Sally it all looks gorgeous!

[Yvonne]

It's just so pretty and so you. Well done on this great styling project. Hope to get to see more of that!

[abbyjane]

Sally - how fun! You did an excellent job. Everything looks just beautiful.

[jenny]

um, sally...WOW! that's so cool they picked you to do that! everyone's looks great, but i LOVE yours the best. You did a fantastic job. I always think that your photo styling would fit right in with blueprint magazine (big compliment, as it's my favorite magazine) or any great magazine really. it makes me want to come over to your house for dinner! so inspiring. you've got such talent that you would be great at any number of careers i'm sure. isn't it too bad you have to pick? sorry for gushing all over you. : )