IT COMES NATURALLY -- Naturally Silk's owner and creative designer Midge Dawes shows off some of the finest examples of her work. To see them for yourself, visit Naturally Silk at her Depot Square location in Downtown Hampton. Watch for their move to the former Prep Shop location sometime in March.
[Atlantic News Photo by Joyce Corinna]

HAMPTON -- Naturally Silk's owner and creative designer Midge Dawes is excited about her move in March from the rear of Depot Square to 446 Lafayette Road, home to the former Prep Shop. Dawes, the creative genius behind the silk and other fabric plants, trees and floral arrangements, has been in the business for 15 years, learning every aspect from importing to arranging.

Her showroom is filled with designs to tempt any homeowner or business. "When I go out to look at someone's home or business," Dawes says, "I am very aware of colors, window treatments, lighting and anything else that helps me to create the perfect designs." Dawes is so committed to her work that she offers a 100 percent guarantee on everything. "If you don't like it, bring it back and I'll do it again," she explains. More often than not, however, Dawes' clients love what she makes and come back only to ask for more.

"Some people bring in fabric or wallpaper samples to have me match the colors," she says. "Anything you can think of in fresh plants or flowers, I carry in silk and fabric." A unique creation of Dawes' design skills is her use of all-natural tree trunks. From these, she adds the fabric branches and leaves to construct a tree that will confound your guests into believing it is real.

Dawes explained, "Accessories are important in interior design. They warm a room and add the perfect finishing touch. Silk is the hottest thing in the country now."

When people come in the door not knowing what they want, Dawes reassures them that she will make something especially for them. Like most artists, she enjoys her job but refuses to let anything out the door that is not her top quality, best work. "The newest and hottest items now are fruit and orchids," she says. As you look around the shop, Dawes laughs and admits, "I have more fruit and vegetables than a produce market." There are indeed vases and baskets and dishes filled with beaded fruit, simulated fruit and produce and every assortment of orchids you can imagine. "It's impossible to tell the difference," Dawes says.

In addition to her silk designs, Dawes plans to include a gift accessory line in her new store. With the able assistance of two design consultants, Midge Dawes has turned the Seacoast residences and businesses into lush havens and jungles of plants and flowers that will never need watering and never shed on the carpets, "I've developed trust with my clients," she states. "They know I provide quality workmanship, variety and reasonable prices." So, whether interior designer, corporate decorator, or homeowner, when your room is screaming to be accessorized with flowers plants, and trees, stop by Naturually Silk at its new location at 446 Lafayette Road, home of the former Prep Shop. Midge Dawes is busy creating her Spring arrangements: Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or call 926-5150 for an appointment.