Think Pink!

Alright, I'm not the first or the most famous to quip, "Think pink!" That would go to the incomparable Kay Thompson in Funny Face, Stanley Donen's 1957 musical film starring Audrey ("I believe in pink") Hepburn and Fred Astaire. When I saw that Pantone, the color folk, announced its color of the year for 2011, Pantone 18-2120 (that would be 'Honeysuckle', for you and me), I honestly thought I heard Ms. Thompson's throaty vocals from the great beyond, "Think pink, if you want that quel-que chose..."

The Pantone people tell us: "Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it." And they may be right!

My obsession with carnations has already been detailed at length but here, it's seen in a whole new way. These were so fresh, in the photograph, they are just beginning to open. The color is alive, happy, and perfect for the New Year! The technique here is the same as with the Christmas reds, but with shades of pink instead. The container, which is a beautifully etched large green candle holder, is also a happy addition. It comes from Rob Valenzuela's Phoenix gift shop, Stupid Cupid, and I thought it would be a perfect foil for the arrangement. It's beautiful with flowers and beautiful without, with a flickering candle in it to illuminate the room.

The sample is in the shop, so if you're in town, stop by. This technique will be the subject of a special class to held at Stupid Cupid in February. Please call to inquire, and "Think pink!"