DIY Archives | Page 15 of 21

A Holiday Message (in the making)

November 25, 2013

Happy Monday!

Thanksgiving is just a few days away and I don’t know about you but I’m looking forward to a day to just relax and kick back. I’m working hard to get a few projects complete by Wednesday so I can spend Thursday feasting, watching movies and catching up on some magazine reading.

One of the holiday projects I’m working on involves a chalkboard. I want to write a holiday quote the large chalkboard I have but I can’t decide what to write. I’d love to have you help me decide so take a look at some of the designs I’m considering and leave a quick comment letting me know what you favorite image is.

MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

MERRY & BRIGHT

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

HOLLY JOLLY

‘TIS THE SEASON

WE WISH YOU

I’ll see you back here tomorrow for more holiday fun. For now, I’ve gotta go and practice my penmanship.

all chalkboard images via pinterest

12 Pinecone Decorating Ideas (that will take you to Christmas)!

November 12, 2013

Even though my fall and holiday décor doesn’t lean toward natural or rustic I love adding a few decorative touches using pinecones because they remind me of the pacific northwest and because they are easy and inexpensive to decorate with. Pinecones are also one of those elements that you can decorate with during the fall, enjoy for Thanksgiving and then carry the look through to Christmas. To give you a few ideas I’ve rounded up TWELVE Pine Cone Decorating Ideas that will span the seasons.

Enjoy and be inspired!

This time of year mother nature is filling the ground with pinecones you can gather and get creative with. Many of these looks are easy diy projects so pull out the glue gun and get creative.

Since so many people hang wreaths on their doors this time of year, why not create an elegant pinecone door cone. Wrap wire around the base of pinecones to create picks that are easy to insert into arrangements.

I love the idea of creating a pinecone door charm. The mini frame could hold a welcome message or a simple graphic like in the photo. This is a great accent to hang on the guest bedroom door to greet holiday visitors.

You don’t always see a mailbox dressed up for fall but with a few pinecones, greenery from the yard and some burlap ribbon you can create this beautiful garland to add curb appeal to your home.

If you’re really crafty, this project is for you. Wire several small pinecones together to create pinecone candle rings to use with your Thanksgiving table décor.

Turn an old mirror into a fun fall look by framing it in a ring of pinecones. Hot glue, time and patience is all that is needed.

p.s. love the spice boxes on the wall!

This is a definitely a look that can work for fall through Christmas. Leave the pinecone tree unadorned for fall and then dress it up with ribbon or red berries to give it more of a holiday look.

Use pinecones to accent your dining room chandelier for an elegant but homespun look.

I’m a big fan of chair décor during the holidays and this look wins my vote. The pinecone and ornament clusters add a lot of impact to these chairs.

Pinecone wreaths are classic and I love that different color pinecones have been combined to give this wreath more style.

A fun take on a holiday star.

Pinecone ornaments are easy to make and look great on a tree with traditional Christmas ornaments.

You know that pinecone mirror you saw earlier, how about taking it off the wall and using it on the table as a centerpiece. Two looks in one!

Will pinecones be making an appearance in your holiday décor this year??

all images via pinterest

Velvet Finishes and a Sporty DIY

October 22, 2013

I’m sure you’ve heard many bloggers say how wonderful the blogging community is and what great friendships and connections you can make through it. I’m here to tell you it’s all true. I’ve made some great friends through blogging and have connected with fellow bloggers across the country. Blogging has also strengthened my connections in the design right here in Atlanta.

A couple of months back I connected with a fellow Atlanta designer and blogger, Kellie Smith via Instagram and learned about her new paint line. In addition to running her design business, Kellie Smith Design Studio, Kellie recently developed and branded her own line of paints called Velvet Finishes.

Velvet Finishes is a low VOC paint available in 18 beautiful colors and requires no special equipment or skill set (my kind of painting). In addition to the paint, the line also includes prepping product, clear and dark glaze, wax and a satin polyurethane.

After corresponding a bit, Kellie graciously offered to send me some paint to try and I just so happened to have the perfect piece I wanted to try it on.

I found this small folding table at a thrift store in late spring ($5.00) and purchased it to use as a serving/food table when we go the park on the weekends to hang out. I love that the table folds up, is light weight and easy to carry. Naturally the oak wood and the traditional design on the tabletop was not the vision I had for my “picnic table”, I had something a bit more sporty in mind.

So with the help of Velvet Finishes, my little table was transformed…

I painted the entire table in Luxurious and then used Vivid and Eloquent to create sporty stripes. To give the table even more of a sports vibe I painted a circle offset to one side and free-hand painted the numbers 713.

713 represents July 13th which is the day the hubs and I got married.

I just love how my folding table turned out and can’t wait to give it a spin in the park or maybe at a tailgating party this fall. Now I just have to find a red, grey and black plaid blanket to go with my table.

You can read more about Velvet Finishes on Kellie’s website and view a gallery of projects using the paint. I can’t wait to try the color Baroque which just happens to be the color of the year!

Thanks Kellie for sending me Velvet Finishes. I loved working with your paints and can’t wait to use it again on another project.

top and bottom images via Kellie Smith Design Studio, all others by ConfettiStyle

My Fall Coffee Table {inspirational ideas}

September 9, 2013

Good day to you! I jumped right into work this morning and after churning away for hours, I realized I hadn’t posted my blog post for today. Sorry for the tardiness. Seems that my days have a mind of their own and I just might have to start posting in the afternoons rather than the mornings. It is my goal to post at a regular time each day so if you have a preference, morning or afternoons, leave me a comment and let me know.

Now on to the good stuff. How many of you have starting decorating for fall?? I’m definitely in the mood and plan to get a few fall vignettes in place this week. One of the first areas I want to infuse a little fall into is my coffee table. I tend to like more vs less on my table but can’t decide what look I want to go with. These are some of the images that are inspiring me but the only thing I know for sure is that my décor will include a candle (or two), a tray, books and this!

I really like the look of a dark candle hurricane and am thinking about this tortoise candleholder or using this paper to diy my own.

A lantern is always a great look for a coffee table. Love the look that Kim over at Savvy Southern Style pulled together for her table.

I do love flowers on the coffee table and this mix of fall colored stems and greenery is really nice.

It wasn’t so much the coffee table décor here that caught my eye, but the idea of using a knit throw as a coffee table cloth? Interesting!

There’s my gold sphere and books. Just needs a some true fall touches.

I’m so loving the idea of different boxes on the table. HomeGoods or diy??

And finally, I really like this wood piece and cloche that Donna from Funky Junk Interiors styled for her coffee table. And just think, I happened to stumbled across these tree slabs on-line. {lumberjacking is not on my skills list, so this is definitely not a diy for me}!

So which look to do you like best and have you starting decorating for fall?

I’m a Crafter at Heart {and I’m living my passions}

September 6, 2013

Happy Friday!

Those of you that follow along on my blog my or may not know that I have a vast professional background. As a little girl I was totally in love with fashion and knew that I wanted to do something in that field as a profession. After winning the title of best dressed in high school and getting a fashion and interior design degree from college I took my first job as a department manager for a regional department store in Seattle. I quickly made my way to the position of assistant buyer where I bought jewelry and fashion accessories.

The bulk of my fashion career was spent at Eddie Bauer. I started as an assistant buyer in women’s and over the course of 11 years I the buyer for various product categories and eventually the general merchandise manager for the non-apparel products for both the catalog and retail division of the company (Gear, Luggage, Footwear, Accessories, Watches, Sunglasses etc).

After leaving Eddie Bauer and moving to Atlanta, I tapped into one of my other loves, interior design. For 8 years I owned and operated my own home decor and gift store and after closing it in 2011, I opened my boutique interior design business which is what I do now. Throughout my retail, fashion and interior design career I’ve also had a side passion that’s kept me busy…Crafting! Just like fashion and design, crafting is part of my DNA and I love to create things. Over the years I’d crafted in every medium you can think of but there is one area that I have a slight obsession with, rubber stamping!

I am an admitted rubber stamp addict {as represented by the more than 1000 rubber stamps I own} and am really excited about a new opportunity that has come my way.

I was recently contacted by a rubber stamp manufacturer here in Georgia to create rubber stamp projects using their stamps. Craffiti Direct is in the initial stage of launching their own rubber stamp line and are building their line-up of stamp artist. One of the missions of the company is to give their customers with creative ideas for using their stamps, beyond scrapbooking and traditional card making. That’s where I come in.

The Floral Background stamp designed by Elena Guzinska

I’ll be creating unique projects for them that show people different ways they can use rubber stamps. It’s such fun to combine gift wrapping, holiday decorating, decor and my love of paper with rubber stamps.

Here’s a look at a few projects I’ve created so far…

A fun holiday ornament

Stamped Ribbon

Cards

And gift tags!

If you like to craft with rubber stamps, I hope I’ll inspire you in new ways. if you’ve never tried stamping before I hope I can encourage you to give it a try. Either way I’ll be sharing the projects I create for Craffiti here on the blog.

I’m so grateful that throughout my life I’ve been able to live my passions and I’m so glad you stop by the blog every day and let me share them with you. Thank You!

To see all the stamps available from Craffiti, head here!

FOUR “It” Accessories You Are Seeing Everywhere

August 13, 2013

Have you stopped and taken notice that a few really popular decorative accessories that are popping up in every home décor magazine, on store shelves and in on-line stores.? While I’ve had my eye on these trends for a while and even own a few of these items it wasn’t until my recent magazine de-cluttering marathon that I really noticed how prevalent a selected group of items are in the interior design world. What makes these items so popular and just what are the “it” accessories I’m talking about?

Foo Dogs in every color are a super hot decor trend of late. While they may not be the prettiest accessory, the ceramic dogs are making a splash in every type of room décor, from traditional to modern. I think the attraction is that they are different, have an ethnic flare and make a bold statement. I love these gold dogs at Z Gallerie but if you like a little more color, the next time you’re near a Ross Dress for Less, pop because they are known to have colorful Foo Dogs for cheap!

The Scoppio Sphere is a hot item from Z Gallerie. You can use this piece on tabletops or as a wall décor accent. There is a sense of whimsy that I think draws people to this piece and makes it so popular.

Buddha heads, Buddha statues, Buddha wall décor. Buddha’s are admired not only for their spiritual association but also for their artistic style. The popularity of Buddha is so great that even Walmart has gotten in on the trend.

Not only are Starburst Mirrors becoming a design staple but it is probably one of the most popular DIY projects among DIY bloggers and designers. Starburst mirrors are a wonderful alternative to a round mirror and provide shape and visual interest to a space. I happen to own two starburst mirrors and am glad to say I bought these before the trend was so hot.

Because there are so many different versions of starburst mirrors, I think this is one item that will definitely become a classic. If you’re in the market, Ballard Designs has some of the most popular starburst mirrors on the market.

So, what do you think of these ‘it” accessories? And which is your favorite?

Happy Monday!

Thanksgiving is just a few days away and I don’t know about you but I’m looking forward to a day to just relax and kick back. I’m working hard to get a few projects complete by Wednesday so I can spend Thursday feasting, watching movies and catching up on some magazine reading.

MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

MERRY & BRIGHT

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

HOLLY JOLLY

‘TIS THE SEASON

WE WISH YOU

I’ll see you back here tomorrow for more holiday fun. For now, I’ve gotta go and practice my penmanship.

all chalkboard images via pinterest

Enjoy and be inspired!

This time of year mother nature is filling the ground with pinecones you can gather and get creative with. Many of these looks are easy diy projects so pull out the glue gun and get creative.

Since so many people hang wreaths on their doors this time of year, why not create an elegant pinecone door cone. Wrap wire around the base of pinecones to create picks that are easy to insert into arrangements.

I love the idea of creating a pinecone door charm. The mini frame could hold a welcome message or a simple graphic like in the photo. This is a great accent to hang on the guest bedroom door to greet holiday visitors.

You don’t always see a mailbox dressed up for fall but with a few pinecones, greenery from the yard and some burlap ribbon you can create this beautiful garland to add curb appeal to your home.

If you’re really crafty, this project is for you. Wire several small pinecones together to create pinecone candle rings to use with your Thanksgiving table décor.

Turn an old mirror into a fun fall look by framing it in a ring of pinecones. Hot glue, time and patience is all that is needed.

p.s. love the spice boxes on the wall!

This is a definitely a look that can work for fall through Christmas. Leave the pinecone tree unadorned for fall and then dress it up with ribbon or red berries to give it more of a holiday look.

Use pinecones to accent your dining room chandelier for an elegant but homespun look.

I’m a big fan of chair décor during the holidays and this look wins my vote. The pinecone and ornament clusters add a lot of impact to these chairs.

Pinecone wreaths are classic and I love that different color pinecones have been combined to give this wreath more style.

A fun take on a holiday star.

Pinecone ornaments are easy to make and look great on a tree with traditional Christmas ornaments.

You know that pinecone mirror you saw earlier, how about taking it off the wall and using it on the table as a centerpiece. Two looks in one!

Will pinecones be making an appearance in your holiday décor this year??

all images via pinterest

Velvet Finishes is a low VOC paint available in 18 beautiful colors and requires no special equipment or skill set (my kind of painting). In addition to the paint, the line also includes prepping product, clear and dark glaze, wax and a satin polyurethane.

After corresponding a bit, Kellie graciously offered to send me some paint to try and I just so happened to have the perfect piece I wanted to try it on.

So with the help of Velvet Finishes, my little table was transformed…

I painted the entire table in Luxurious and then used Vivid and Eloquent to create sporty stripes. To give the table even more of a sports vibe I painted a circle offset to one side and free-hand painted the numbers 713.

713 represents July 13th which is the day the hubs and I got married.

I just love how my folding table turned out and can’t wait to give it a spin in the park or maybe at a tailgating party this fall. Now I just have to find a red, grey and black plaid blanket to go with my table.

You can read more about Velvet Finishes on Kellie’s website and view a gallery of projects using the paint. I can’t wait to try the color Baroque which just happens to be the color of the year!

Thanks Kellie for sending me Velvet Finishes. I loved working with your paints and can’t wait to use it again on another project.

top and bottom images via Kellie Smith Design Studio, all others by ConfettiStyle

I just added a cable knit throw to the bed in my guest room and love the texture it adds to the bedding. HomeGoods has a great selection of pillows and throws if you are in the market.

Cable Knit pillows are the perfect fall touch for a sofa or chair.

I don’t know how I feel about this slipcovered knit lamp but given the right room décor it could be pretty fabulous.

Classic and timeless!

A fun little accent and an easy DIY project too!

This collection from Pottery Barn is so perfect for the fall and holiday season. My favorite is the red and cream fair-isle knit blanket.

I really can’t tell you how much I’m loving this Sweater Weather floor tile from FLOR. Just imagine how great this must feel under your feet.

These images definitely have me longing for some time on the sofa especially since I’m feeling a bit under the weather at the moment. Unfortunately my down time won’t happen until Sunday evening but when the time comes you’ll find me under my cable knit blanket with a cup of tea!

So what do you think of this fall design trend? And more importantly do you have anything fun planned for the weekend?

If you live in the Atlanta area, come join me at Smith’s Home and Gift store on Saturday where I’ll be teaching two design workshops…

10:00 am–Entertaining for the Seasons

12:00 noon Accessorizing the FIVE Impact Areas of your Home For Fall

(Cumming location–Avenue Forsyth)

Happy Friday!

Today I had planned to show you my home office space but I cant! It is no shape to make a debut on the blog.

The current state of my desk looks like this…

and I’ve got fabric samples, my fall coffee table décor, centerpieces for an event and my treasures from Scott Antique Market all over the floor!

I promise I’ll share the space with you next week after I get it cleaned up and organize, but in the meantime I hope you enjoy this quick and easy DIY project I recently created for my desk.

After painting my desk and adding a glass top, I realized that my computer mouse was not functioning well on the glass surface. I knew I needed a mouse pad but didn’t want to buy one of those generic looking ones, so DIY to the rescue.

Supplies:

Cork trivets from Ikea ($2.99 for 3) and Decorative Scrapbook Paper

Mod Podge, Scissors and a paint brush

Decorative Washi Tape and/or acrylic paint

How to:

Trace the outline of your trivet on to the scrapbook paper and cut it out.

Using a paint brush, coat one side of the trivet and the back side of your paper circle with Mod Podge. Place the paper on to the wet trivet surface and smooth out.

Once the Mod Podge is dry, you can paint the edge of your trivet with acrylic paint or cover it with decorative washi tape. And if you want, you can coat the top and sides with a final layer of Mod Podge to create a smooth, protected surface.

Let everything dry and you’ll have a fancy mouse pad for your desk, for less than $3.00!

I loved how easy and inexpensive this project was so I created three mouse pads that I can switch out when the mood strikes me. I used decorative tape on the edge of two pads and painted the edge of the third.

With the holiday season coming up, this is a great project you can do for girlfriend gifts or teacher’s gifts.

I hope you have a great weekend. I’m off to get things cleaned up so I can enjoy the beautiful weather we’re suppose to have here this weekend!

images via pinterest