Search Results for: product + inspiration

Let’s Get Crafty–Monogrammed Serving Tray

May 26, 2011

When I’m not working on design projects, I love to keep myself busy creating hand-made items.

As one of the design team members for May Arts Ribbon, I create projects showcasing their incredible array of ribbons. While I love using ribbon to create beautiful gift tags and inspirational pieces, creating home-decor items is what I love to do most.

One of my latest projects was a Monogrammed Serving Tray, made as a special gift for a soon-to-be married couple. I love giving personalized gifts as wedding presents, and this tray fit the bill perfectly.

Here’s what the finished item looked like.

I had lots of fun creating the tray and thought I’d share the how-to’s with you.

You’ll need the following supplies:

Rectangular picture frame with an interior mat. The mat for my frame had three photo spaces which were framed with a beveled wood edge. Not only is the detail great but it elevates the glass a bit and adds dimension.
May Arts Ribbon—SX44, WX15, WA46, SX01
Decorative Drawer Pulls (I picked mine up at Hobby Lobby for $2.99)
Decorative Scrapbook Paper
Glue Arts Adhesive Tape
Hot Glue Gun
Scissors

Step 1: Remove the glass and mat from the frame.

Step 2: Determine the placement of the ribbon around the mat. I decided to run lengths of my ribbon along the surface of the mat, creating a criss-cross pattern in several places to give it some added style.

Once the ribbon placement was determined, I cut my ribbon to the desired length, and glued the pieces in place. It’s best to secure the ribbon ends with hot glue gun and the body of the ribbon with your Glue Arts adhesive .

Step 3: Select a decorative paper that coordinates with your ribbon. You’ll be using it as the backdrop of each photo box. I choose a blue striped paper, in a slightly darker blue than my ribbon.

Now, measure and cut your paper to fit each photo window. Run your Glue Arts Adhesive around the back side of the mat opening and position your decorative paper in place.

Here’s what the tray looks like with the paper in place.

Step 4: Now it’s time to create the monograms within each photo window.

With a pencil, lighting draw out the initials onto the decorate paper of each photo box. The first box will be the first initial of the bride. The middle box will the couples last initial, and the third box will be the grooms’ first initial.

Starting with the first photo box, run a narrow bead of hot glue along the initial outline you drew. Starting at one edge of your letter, scrunch and glue your ribbon along your glue line. Scrunching the ribbon creates a soft ruffle effect. Repeat the same process with the other two initials.

Step 5: Next, measure where your handles will be positioned and screw them into place. A big thanks to my hubby for handling the power tools for this project.

Finally, assemble the mat and glass into your frame and you’re all done!

Turned out great if I say so myself. If you haven’t checked out the wonderful ribbon that May Arts offers, hop on over to their site and take a look. And while you’re there, spend a little time on their blog to see more fabulous projects inspired by May Arts ribbon!

Have you made anything by hand lately?

ANTHROPOLOGIE Launches New Design Concept

March 10, 2011

Anthropologie, the stylish retail shop with locations across the globe, just announced the launch of a new design concept coming to select stores (store listing below). The DECORATOR SHOPS will open in 12 selected US and UK store on March 24th.

Along with showcasing their great offering of products, Anthropologie’s Design Shop is being positioned as a in-store design resource for those needing expert advise on how to design their space. In addition to the Design Shop, the store will also offer design workshops with design experts giving advice on a variety of design subjects. I can already image the fun!

The in-store Design Shop will feature wallpaper samples, rugs, curtains and serve as a resource for product information. A wonderful offering of design books and magazines will also be available in the shop, as yet another source of inspiration.

If you don’t have an Anthropologie store near you, you’ll be able to tap into all this design fun via the For The Decorator section on Anthros website. The online design resource, full of design tips and techniques will launch March 17th.

The Anthropologie store locations that will launch the design shop are: London, Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Corte Madera, CA, Denver, Houston, Miami, Nashville, NYC, Wayne, PA and Westport, CT.

As if the awesome product, wonderful displays and soothing atmosphere of Anthropologie weren’t reason enough to love the store, the Anthropologie Design Shop surely is.

I can’t wait to check it all out.

images via: thegroveatshrewbury, anthropologie, designblock, decor8, marigailmathis, weblo, cathylwood, tentdreams

Hot Commodity…Chevron Prints

March 1, 2011

Long before the Nate Berkus show I loved the look of Chevron Prints. Now that I watch Nate daily (via dvr), I’ve developed a mad obsession with the pattern.

There is something so refreshingly modern and hip about chevron prints, yet I can easily envision them incorporated into a more traditional room environment.

The Dhurrie Rug that adorns Nate’s TV set is was part of his custom product line for HSN. Unfortunately the rug sold out, and is no longer available.

But, I did surface up a great option available for purchase from West Elm.

If you need a little more inspiration, before jumping on the Chevron Print band-wagon, check out these inspiring images!

via belle maison 23

I love the visual movement a chevron print adds to a space. This pattern is great to use in a small room, keeping the eye moving and making the space feel larger.

via chic little house

via belle maison 23

As an accent rug, chevron prints are a wonderful alternative to an all over pattern.

via alicia b designs

Chevron or zig zag prints as they are also known, are wonderful on furniture and accessories.

via fashionable interiors

via Etsy–plumcushion

via casa sugar

the love list via designophile

via grace hilt on design

via houzz

via interiorly

via nest dallas

via jacquie severs

via notable inspiration

Windsor Smith chair via bella by Karah

This chair is so adorable. I love the mix of chevron print and that stylish geo pattern.

Tori Burch’s dressing room via belle maison 23

via decorpad

A great application for subway tile.

via pepper design

via riley sittema

If you’re the crafty type and want to save a bit of money on a chevron print rug, here’s a great tutorial by Carissa who writes the lovely blog, The Fabulous Design File. Check it out here.

I feel a Chevron Print in my future. Maybe a decorative tray?

Are you loving Chevron prints as much as me?

What I Bought

February 22, 2011

If you’ve followed along on my blog, you know that I am in the midst of a master bedroom makeover...

The Reality

The Inspiration

And, that I’ve promised to share any great finds I come across on my shopping excursions.

So, I’ve hit the stores looking for lamps, behind the sewing machine crafting a few items, and scouring unique shops looking for decorative accessories.

After a client appointment last week, I stopped by a store that my friend Robyne has told me about. Home Grown Living is tucked into an old house, on a side street in Roswell, GA. All Robyne had told me about the store was the that they carried great products, had lots of mercury glass and their prices were very good.

Upon entering, I was mesmerized by all the vintage inspired furniture, antique tables, candle holders, pillows and a wonderful selection of mercury glass items. And, I was definitely wowed by the great prices.

The store is not large, but is filled with lots of lovelies, some of which made their way home with me.

Here’s what I bought…

Etched Mercury Glass Lidded Jar–$30
Small Mercury Glass Votive Holder–$18
Black Bud Vase–$12

After Home Grown Living, I dropped in on my local Goodwill and found a great treasure…

Silver Tray from GoodWill–$0.99 (oh yeah)!

Here are all the items waiting for a home in my master bedroom.

Home Grown Living does not have an active website yet, but I’ll be sure and let you know when they do so you can buy some of their great items.

Have you found any great bargains lately?

Smith On Style–A New Blog Read

February 17, 2011

Living in Atlanta, and being an avid reader of design magazines, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle magazine has always been apart of my design library. Serving as the editorial director for the magazine, Clinton Smith pulls together a dynamic publication each month, full of awe-inspiring photos, designer profiles, exquisite home tours and captivating product features.

With such a great publication under his belt, it was inevitable that Clinton begin writing a blog. Smith on Style is his online journal as he lives, travels, works and breathes design.

With only two post so far, I am already drawn into what I know will become one of my regular blog reads. Stop by and check out his blog, and the latest issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, here.

A life full of inspiration is a good thing!

MY PERSONAL FASHION STYLE { REVISITED}

October 22, 2010

Apparently I have fashion on my mind this week, because all my blog post have been about fashion.

It’s no surprise, since last weekend I began giving my closet a complete overhaul, which led to a complete overhaul of my wardrobe, which led to a complete overhaul of my accessories, which led to a complete overhaul of my budget, which led me to this point…

I can’t stop thinking about fashion and the personal fashion statement I make every day.

As a person who majored in fashion merchandising, and has spent many years working in the fashion industry, I know a lot about fashion, but am constantly re-defining my personal style.

As I cleaned out my closet last weekend, and sorted through my clothes, footwear and accessories, I realized I needed to go “back to school”, and re-teach myself some of the principles of fashion and how they apply to my personal style. Here’s what I learned…

#1 I Know Myself

Because I have a love for fashion, I tend to give just about every trend and fad a try. What I sometimes fail to realize (or realize too late), is that not every trend is right for me. What works for me is clothing with classic undertones, but with a bit of style, flair and personality!

#2 I Know What Works On My Body

Like most women, I have struggled to find clothing that flatters every aspect of my body. I am best in scoop necks, wider leg pant and tailored silhouettes.

#3 Less Is More

Ok, I’ll admit it…I love to shop. Besides spending hours in the book store, clothes shopping is my vice. I tend to buy things because they are on sale or because I feel like having one more pair of black pants in my wardrobe is necessary. What I know is that having too many options is not always good, and that i need to love every piece of clothing in my wardrobe.

#4 Color Makes Me Happy

Early on in my career, I worked for Eddie Bauer. Most everyone in the company wore solid colors, primarily white, black, grey and tan. Upon joining the company, I jumped on the neutral bandwagon, not because I love those colors, but because I fit in. What I know for sure is that I love color. Colorful clothes make me feel better, express my personality and lift my attitude.

#5 Accessories Give Me An Edge

Without accessories, I feel naked. Accessories are liking frosting on a cake–it’s what brings an outfit to life. I know that accessories help me to turn an outfit from ordinary into extraordinary.