Everyone in the design business in Dallas knows Leslie Bell, who ran the Baker Knapp & Tubbs showroom for decades until she retired a little more than a year ago.
It was Leslie's 60th birthday yesterday and she wanted to have a picnic. Her friends talked her out of it because it's too dang hot to sit outside and eat. So, Leslie moved the picnic inside. 
Her friends brought chicken from Bubba's and made deviled eggs
another friend made this amazing chocolate birthday cake
We all gathered inside Leslie's house, which used to be a plain old ranch until Lionel Morrison got a hold of it. Here's the courtyard entry. I love how the color of the Japanese maple matches the color of the water sculpture.
Guests arriving -- but look at the left, inside the mailbox.
It's Gumby. 
Here's the former ranch house, now the Bell's limestone-clad modernist digs.
Leslie wore a circa 1950 apron she bought an estate sale.
The house is filled with whimsical art.
Agnes.
Even the bathroom has art.
Leslie's studio, where she makes art herself.
Here's a piece of art Leslie made from a knot hole that looks like a bird's eye, and a piece of concrete stolen from Lionel Morrison's yard, which she used as a base.
Ever wonder what happened to Claudia Armstrong (above) after her wonderful store, At My Table, closed recently? She's making handmade Lucite and wood furniture pieces, which you can buy soon on Etsy
3 comments:
That is the sexiest picnic I've ever seen! And what a great house too! (loved the story you you posted in your comment, funny)
Wow, Rebecca, thank you for attending and sharing my last minute 60th picnic on your sensational blog. I am thrilled to subscribe and stay connected to world of design through your eyes. The photos you took of the house, art, food, friends and Agnes are wonderful. Celebrating the zero birthdays as my friend Sally calls turning sixty has proven to be my best one yet, and the celebration continues throughout the year . I would love to share with others.
Several additions to your comments about my sculptures. The L brick was found @ Lionel's project on Northaven and East Ricks Circle. I loved that it was in the shape of the letter L.
The art in the bathroom photos made me smile from ear to ear. More details about how James Surls inspired my work if interested. Many
Rebecca, What a great story about your friend's birthday. I love the house and am always so envious that you get to see such great design on a daily basis!! Wonderful art, food, and that Agnes - what a cutie. Thanks for your visit recently to hill country house - so glad you like Jon's work. There is more of it in Dallas is you are ever interested in a driving tour!
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