DIY Archives | Page 14 of 21

DIY Inspiration–Fabric Covered Console Tables

May 9, 2014

Fabric…It’s Not Just for Curtains Anymore!

Ever since I saw this amazing fabric covered console table by Timothy Corrigan at the ASO Showhouse, I’ve been smitten with the idea of covering a table of my own.

Not only does a fabric covered table stand out as a unique design element but the texture and visual punch it adds to room is really dramatic.

When you think about all the fabric options out there, this fairly easy diy project is a great way to create a custom look for your home.

Even though I didn’t need any more inspiration, I went looking for some and came across these looks and ideas…

Sometimes a room just needs a bit of natural texture and covering a table in grasscloth can add the touch needed.

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You can never go wrong with an animal print and this python print turns simple stacked console tables into a stunning look. I also like that a coat of Mod Podge was added to give the fabric a more durable surface.

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A mini chevron pattern is subtle but interesting. With a print like this you can go neutral in color or create a table that adds a pop of color.

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Even tables with a design detail can be covered in fabric. This silhouette is perfect for the finishing touch of nail heads.

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A bold fabric choice on a stylized console table would look great in a foyer.

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Even the big box stores (HomeGoods) is getting in on the look with this navy fabric covered table and silver nail heads.

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If you’re a diy’er and want to give this project a try, here’s a great tutorial on the process. And if you can’t score a super cheap parson table at your local thrift store, here’s a couple of budget friendly tables to check out.

Northfield Wall Console Table via Amazon $68.50 Also available at Target for $66.99

Parsons Console Table via Home Decorators $152.10

American Heritage Console Table via Target $113.99

So, are you as smitten with the idea of a fabric covered table as much as I am?

Design Lessons from Show Houses and Model Homes

April 29, 2014

When we lived in Seattle I made it a point to attend the Street of Dreams Show House tour every year. Yes I went to see what it would be like to live in a multi-million dollar home but I also went to get design ideas. I also made it a point to tour builders model homes on the weekends to seek out even more design ideas. Show houses and models homes can be a great source of design inspiration and product sourcing (and buying) if you know how to look beyond the beauty of a space and learn to analyze how a space was put together. Want to know what you can learn about design from show houses and model homes? Well follow along and I’ll tell you.

First let me say that most show house designs push the envelope with style and are decorated to the hilt. The designers that do these homes are challenged to make the rooms stand out and have drama and impact. You’ll often see bolder colors, more elaborate mill work, exotic finishes and over accessorized spaces in a show house.

When it comes to model homes, builders have a completely different agenda when it come to decorating. Builders want to make the home feel as large as possible and decorate it so that it will appeal to a range of people. The decor of model homes can sometimes seem sparse and the design details can come off as elementary but there are still a few things you can learn from these model homes.

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM DESIGNER SHOW HOUSES

Designer show houses are filled with all kinds of amazing design ideas, from the latest furniture and accessory trends, unique wall-covering and paint options to custom details that you may not have seen before. These show houses can also give you an expert lesson in accessorizing and styling a room.

Want to learn the art of coffee table décor, then check out the table arrangements in a show house. You’ll see how different accessories are grouped together for impact and to achieve a balanced arrangement.

There will be lots of vignettes in a show house so analyze how they are styled and layered for new ideas.

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Let’s Get Crafty–Stamped Gift Box

March 27, 2014

I’ve been in a crafting mood lately and this project is right up my alley. It combines my love of crafting with my love for gifting and giftwrap.

One of the items I love to gift (and get) most are candles. Often times I buy my candle gifts at HomeGoods or TJMaxx because they usually have a variety to select from and the price is right. The only downside is that many of their candles don’t come in boxes which means you have to come up with your own packaging.

I have several friends with birthdays in April so the other day I headed to HomeGoods in search of a candle and found this one. The glass jar was really pretty and classic but I knew to give it as a gift I would need to put it in to some kind of gift packaging.

I decided to make a pretty custom gift box. This is a pretty simple project and the box becomes an added gift that the recipient can use as décor in their home.

To create the gift box I used a few crafting supplies and clear stamps from CraffitiDirect, including one of the new sets from expert crafter Mark Montano .

Supplies Used:

Hinged Wood Box

Mark Montano Vintage Nature stamp set from Craffiti Direct

Thank You Flowers stamp set from Craffiti Direct

Sticker Paper

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad in Walnut Stain

Prima Markers

American Crafts Glitter Tape

Drawer Knob from Hobby Lobby

I knew I wanted to add a handle to my box so before I got started with the paper design, I drilled a hole in the lid of the box to fit a decorative knob I picked up at Hobby Lobby.

To cover each side of my wood box, I stamped five sheets of 4″ x 6″ sticker paper using the Thank You Flowers Stamp and the Mark Montano Vintage Nature set. Once stamped and colored in using Prima markers, I placed the sticker paper to the top and sides of my box and then cut off the excess paper.

The box had a hinged lid so I used my exatco blade to cut the paper between the opening and around the back hinges.

To finish the edges and add more dimension I used glitter tape to frame each side of the box.

And as an extra touch I covered the front and back of a couple of small matchboxes with stamped sticker paper using one of the beautiful butterfly image from the Vintage Nature stamp set.

I’m addicted to decorative match books now!

Each side of the box has a different design layout so it is really unique.

Creating your own decorative gift wrap is an easy way to personalize any gift you give. I hope you enjoyed the project and hope that it inspired you to get crafty!

Entertaining Idea: An Oscar Party for Two

February 28, 2014

Happy Friday! I hope your week was great and that your weekend is filled with sunshine and good times.

My weekend is going to be jammed packed. Tomorrow I’ve got a couple of marketing projects to complete for companies I work with, I’ve got blog post to write for next week and I’ve got to get all my ducks in a row for the Design Bloggers Conference which is just days away. Despite all that I’m looking forward to Sunday evening and the Oscars. I of course watch the Oscars first for the fashion, second for the jewelry and third to see if my favorite movie wins the big award. My husband reluctantly watches because I ask him to but this year I’m giving him even more incentive.

Make Life Lovely

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The Right Way to Do Monograms

February 18, 2014

Ever since moving to the south in 2000 I’ve developed an obsession for monograms. I’ll never be one of those people who has a monogrammed car decal or a full set of luggage with a monogram (unless of course it’s a full set of Louis Vuitton) but I do love monograms for linens, personal items, decorative accessories and some furniture.

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Paper Love: Creative Ways to UpStyle Your Envelope

February 6, 2014

I love paper products and one of my goals each year is to step away from the computer or cell phone and sends notes and cards to my friends the old fashion way. The cards I send are always decorative but rarely do I do anything special to the envelope.

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Gift Wrap Inspiration: Paper Lace Band

January 29, 2014

During my recent trip to the CHA show I had the opportunity to see lots of really cool crafting machines. One of the machines that stood out to me was the Fiskars AdvantEdge Punch cutting system. I’ve seen this crafting machine in the stores for a few months but never really took the time to learn how it worked or what type of craft it produced. After getting a demo of the machine at the show all I can say is I love this machine.

For my latest gift wrap inspiration post, I decided to use the Fiskars AdvantEdge Punch machine to create beautiful paper lace bands. The decorative borders that the AdvantEdge machine cuts are fabulous for gift wrapping and there are multiple design cartridges you can use to create different looks.

For my Valentines gift wrap this year I am using a fun polka dot paper and the “Celtic Knot” and “Flower Garden” Fiskars punch designs.

Traditionally Valentines is all about the colors red and pink so the chocolate paper with dots and the pink lattice paper I wrapped my gifts in give my gifts a modern spin.

For my paper lace bands I used a gold metallic paper which adds an elegant touch to my gifts.

When you wrap your Valentines gifts this year get creative with your paper and embellishments. And if you love paper crafting, the Fiskars AdvantEdge Punch machine should be part of your craft closet!