Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Ode To Rachel Ashwell

I have always been a fan of decorating styles. My huge collection of decorator magazines and books can attest to that. But little did I know that a single woman from across the seas could have such an influence on my life and decorating style. It was sometime around the year 2000 when I first heard the name Rachel Ashwell. I found her first book, “Shabby Chic”, and it was love at first sight. I was lured in by the beautiful photos and instantly hooked on her style. I loved the chippy cupboards, the rose paintings, the chandeliers! At last I had found the style that I completely identified with…and an excuse to go to garage sales, flea markets, second hand stores, even eBay. Anywhere I could get my hands on that sweet shabby style. It was like a fever and I had it bad! As luck would have it, I soon discovered her television program on the Style Network. I taped every show and watched them to my heart’s content. So you can imagine my excitement and bliss when I learned a collection of the shows were being released on DVD! Yes, as of today you can purchase these sweet shows on three separate DVD’s. So, today, I salute you Rachel Ashwell! Thank you for changing my life by helping me define my sense of style. Thank you for giving me an outlet for my creativity (hurray for white spray paint!) and a renewed love for vintage furniture! Hmm…Now if only she would publish her own magazine…my decorating world would be complete!!

10 comments:

Classics and Country said...

I miss her tv show. You have great taste!

Rachel said...

Yay! Now we can part ways with the beat up old video tapes.

And I have to say that I'm quite happy she spells her name the correct way. ;~)

Donna Lynn said...

Can't wait to get a hold of those DVD's...
Donna Lynn

Cheryl Miller said...

Hey Victoria! Thanks for the Rachel Ashwell news! I, too, had the fever BAD when I discovered her, and started painting everything white!

Dominoes was fun, as always, but I got side-tracked half-way through with my friend's laptop, and started reading blogs and comments to everybody. They kept yelling, "Put that thing away, Cheryl!!"

Nerm said...

Hi, Victoria-I, too, used to watch her show every Saturday and was so bummed when it went off. I emailed her once & suggested she do a magazine. Guess she's too busy. Anyway I agree & I'm with you on the style. Nerm

THE HOME THAT LOVE BUILT said...

I wish Rachel had a monthly magazine too! Great idea!

Blessings
Brook

Anonymous said...

OMG!! I had no idea, you can buy this on DVD???? I wondered why her show wasn't on Style Network anymore, I got it just for that and she is no where to be found. I couldn't agree with you more, it's like I was always searching for my style and when I discovered Shabby Chic, I was hooked and instantly fell in love and like you it became so much fun to go on the hunt for the chippy shabby treasures. Hey, great minds think alike.

Hugs,
LeAnn :)

Anonymous said...

P.S. Where do you get the DVD's and how much are they?

LeAnn

Victoria Lynn said...

So far I have only been able to find them on Amazon. They are $14.99 each and there are 3 DVD's. So, like other shabby treasures, I will be on the hunt for these too! Maybe WalMart or Target will have them cheaper! Hugs, Victoria Lynn

Charmingdesigns said...

I had no idea she had a show...I'm so excited to hear about this...what did she do on her show??? Where can I get it? Thanks for lettin us (me) know. Laurie