Thursday, February 12, 2009

Darling Little Bench!!!


I am in love with this bench that I found posted online at an antique shop in Pembroke. It is a bench made out of an old Jenny Lind headboard! How cool is that???I learned of the store through another blog and keep going back to the site to see what new finds they have brought in. I think I am going to get this bench over the weekend...I just have to be sure it fits a desk in my room. I am trying to make a funky home office....I will be sure to post the pictures as soon as I get everything in place!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Design Tip of the Week


I have a feeling I'm going to regret calling this tip of the week, but I will try to keep it up on a weekly basis.....Anyway, friends of mine have been complaining all winter about having to replace their kid's hats and gloves on a regular basis and I started to wonder why ours haven't gotten lost so often. Then I realized it's because of the simple solution that I came up with to design our entryway, which in our case is usually the entrance between the kitchen and the garage. Everybody's home is set up slightly different, but there is usually some place to set up an organized entryway, weather you have a small hallway or large foyer.

The most essential piece of furniture you will need is a table or bench. I found the table in the picture at a yard sale. It cost under $70. I added two large white wicker baskets to collect hats, mittens and scarves. The boots get tucked underneath. We use the top of the table for mail, keys and other small odds and ends. A plate or basket is a good idea to use a catch all for small items that usually get scattered around the table and look messy or get lost otherwise.

We also added some hooks above the table for jackets...this is why I believe that we haven't lost any winter paraphernalia this year!

One Last Simple Idea....


I had some plain paper boxes that I felt I would use to put trinkets such as jewlery coins, etc, if it was prettier looking. I decided to use some toile paper to cover it and added the adorable Barbie head for some reto flair! I now use the box- I saved it from the trash collector.

Continuing On the Paper Craze.....


I reclaimed an old step stool. This was originally a purchase from Target years ago, but was so plain and awful looking that I painted it green and distressed it. After 4 years of that, I decided that it needed a face lift- with the new Amy Butler paper! The results are clear to see--totally eclectic- but the colors have a reoccurring theme. It is fun and whimsical while being on trend and chic at the same time!

Look around your house/apartment space for things that seem old and tired- don't be afraid to "remake" these objects into unique items that bring comfort and joy to your eyes- it will uplift your mood and leave a small mark of your individual style on the world.

New Designs....Using Amy Butler Paper!



I finally received my Amy Butler Designer Paper on Friday! Oh happy day, but I a had a small problem. I didn't know what to use it with first. I was inspired by a post by Tracy Porter where she had a old bohemian looking purse that she found at a flea market years ago and gave it a face lift by adding some fringe (using of all things- hot glue!) and some antique compacts for medallions. It came out very cute and unique looking.
So when I was at TJ Maxx the other day, I found some cool looking clutch/wallets that were on clearance. They had ugly ho-hum patterns on it, so I decide to use the clutches as my first "victim" of my decoupage experiment. SURPRISE! It came out adorable! I can't wait to use it.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Beautiful Glass Pendants!!



Following my paper design love, I have fashioned beautiful glass pendants from divine Japanese paper! Many different styles are available and only limited by you imagination. I will be listing these pendants in the online store that I am developing. Keep your eyes peeled for more coming soon!!!

My new obsession....Paper Design!



It's amazing to me when I find a different medium to work with. This one is so surprisingly easy, that I can't believe that it took me so long to discover it's many uses. Decopage is a craft that has been around for many many decades. It originated in France (I believe, they also pioneered the art of paper mache.

I have found many uses for decopage- the trick is to find paper that you find is unique and beautiful, and find uses for that paper to cover. I have recovered boring ugly old mirror frames as shown in the picture attached. These frames cost about $1 at Ikea and spruced up with beautiful paper, they look much more valuable and fun!