DIY Embroidery Hoop Christmas Wreath

December 4, 2017

Happy Monday! Today I’m popping in to share a quick and simple DIY Holiday Wreath with you.

A few weeks ago I was unpacking book in my office and came across some embroidery hoops I bought at Goodwill last year. I don’t remember if I had a project in mind when I purchased them but there they were. One of the hoops was really large and I immediately knew I could use it to make a holiday wreath.

Here’s the supply list and the easy steps for making this wreath.

Embroidery Hoop Christmas Wreath

Supplies:

Large Embroidery Hoop–you can find these at craft stores but also check the shelves at your local thrift store.

Decorative Paper–The paper will need to be wider than your embroidery hoop. I used a piece of polka dot wrapping paper cut to size for my wreath banner.

Faux Holiday Greenery–You’ll need about 4 or 5 depending on how full the stems are. I used a mix of greenery types to create a natural look.

Sharpie–You’ll use this to hand letter your holiday message. If you have a crafting machines like a Circut or Silhouette you can create a decal for your banner.

How To:

Step 1: Cut a piece of decorative paper about 2 inches wider than your hoop and about 5 inch tall. You can leave the edges of the paper straight or use craft scissors to create a decorative edge. **adjust the size of your banner to fit the size of your hoop.

Step 2: Open the embroidery hoop and insert your banner between the inner and outer pieces of wood. Cut away any excess paper behind the hoop.

Step 3: Attached the faux greenery stems to the top of the embroidery hoop using floral wire to secure it. I arranged my greenery off-center for a more artistic look.

Step 4: Hang your wreath on a door (interior or covered door) and enjoy! My wreath is hanging on our guest bedroom door.

3 Great Sources for Removable Wallpaper

July 17, 2017

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I’m a fan of wallpaper but I know not everyone is. Wallpaper can be expensive and the labor involved to install is can be daunting. And then there’s the thought of what if my design style changes in a year or two–all that paper has to be taken down.

If you love the look of wallpaper but want a more cost-effective and less-permanent solution, then removable wallpaper just might work for you. Temporary wallpaper has come a long way in the last 10 years and now you can get the look and feel of real wallpaper without the cost and hassle.

Removable paper is ideal for small spaces like closets, powder room and hallways. And I love using them on ceilings to a dramatic design detail.

If removable wallpaper is on your design radar, I’ve rounded up three great sources for you to shop along with my favorite picks from each site.

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Affordable DIY Design Solution:

Removable Wallpaper

Tempaper is a great source for removable wall coverings in abstract patterns and chinoiserie designs and all of their products are 100% made in the USA. Their designer collections include styles from Genevieve Gorder, Bobby Burk and Cynthia Rowley. And if you can’t find the design you’re looking for, you can design your own paper and have it printed and manufactured by Tempaper. And check out the Tempaper blog for loads of design inspiration featuring their papers.

Hojas Cubanas Banana Leaf // Garden Chinoiserie Floral // Wood Plank // Brass Belly

Chasing Paper sells a variety of designs from traditional to whimsical patterns. And I love their feature which allows you to shop papers by color. Their designer collaborations include Sabrina Soto, LABL Studio and Rebecca Atwood. For inspiration, the Chasing Paper blog is filled with creative decor and craft ideas using their papers.

Fancy Four Sides // Green Leaf // Speckle // Sunburst

If you love bold, artistic designs then you’ll definitely want to check out WhatisBlik. Unlike the other brands which sell their products in rolls, WhatisBlik sells their wall coverings as wall tiles. The tiles are cut into square or rectangular pieces making them ideal for small spaces and DIY projects.

Byy Byy July // Deep Blue // Ten // Trees

The ideas for using removable wallpaper are endless so get creative and have fun decorating.

Favorites Of The Week | Beautiful Things

June 3, 2017

There are questions in life that we may never has the answers to like “why does a four day work week always seem extra-long?” While you enjoy your weekend and ponder this question, also take some time to enjoy my Favorites Of The Week.

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FAVORITE POSTS

The summer home tours have started and I loved touring Kris’ beautiful home. Her family room is so bright and crisp and I love all the special details she’s styled the space with.

I’m at the stage in life where I’m wanting to purge and live with less. Apartment Therapy posted an article on minimalism recently and this quote by Joshua Becker, author and blogger at Becoming Minimalist grabbed my attention–“Desiring less is even more valuable than owning less.” It’s a great read if you’re feeling the urge to lighten your load too.

Framed textiles are such a unique way to create custom artwork for your home.

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FAVORITE PINS

This Dip Dyed Stationery is a project to add to your DYI to-do list. So cute!

This bathroom is just one of the amazing room designs in this designers portfolio.

Kitchen perfection…black + gold + white. And notice the wood apron and legs on the island extension.

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

Floral patterns are always a big trend for spring and summer but I’m loving all the textured pillows I’m seeing on store shelves. If you’re not a pattern person, textured pillows are a great way to add visual interest to a chair or sofa. These Fringe Diendra Pillows are from Anthropologie and they are beyond beautiful.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of entertaining this summer, you might want to pick up this chic Leaf Print Tablecloth from H and M Home for only $24.99. And if you need some tablescape inspiration here’s a gorgeous party table styled using the tablecloth.

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Anyone else out there have sunglasses scattered around your house? I just can’t seem to come up with a workable storage option to keep them all in one place. That is until now. The Emily & Meritt Sunglass Holder from Pottery Barn Teen is the solution to my problem. I love that it can also be used to hold jewelry.

Before I sign off, I just wanted to say Thank You for all the wonderful comments here on the blog and on Instagram on my Bohemian Inspired Tablescape. In case you missed it, you can read the full post here.

I hope you enjoyed my Favorites Of The Week. Have a fantastic weekend and I’ll see you back here Monday with an awesome Father’s Day Gift Guide.

Favorites Of The Week | Inspiration For Spring

May 20, 2017

Happy weekend friends. Enjoy a few favorites from the week.

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FAVORITES POSTS

Have you ever wanted to try upholstering walls? I love the idea and was this how-to tutorial on One Kings Lane. They make it look easy and the end result is fabulous.

I’m sure most of you are familiar with Etsy, the marketplace for vintage and handmade item. Etsy just made the whole concept of handmade and DIY more fun with the introduction of Etsy Studio. Etsy Studio is a marketplace for DIY supplies and projects. All of the unique materials, parts and components you need to create one-of-a kind items will now be shopable at one place. I’m super excited and can’t wait to try some of the projects featured on their site like this gorgeous clutch. And I’m going to make my own version of this tassel necklace–so cute!

Such a beautiful home tour.

FAVORITE PINS

Love how the Ikea Expedit bookshelf was used to create this simple but chic cocktail station.

If you follow me on Pinterest you may have noticed that I’ve been pinning lots of images of boxed flower arrangements like these. I think this is such a unique gift giving idea.

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

A little something pretty for your kitchen from Anthropologie.

Lots of cute new arrivals at H and M Home, including this blue and white bathroom rug.

And this round glass vase is another favorite.

These personalized necklaces are just some of the cute items I spotted in JillMakes Etsy shop.

Single Initial Personalized Necklace

Round Acrylic Initial Necklace

Inspiration Notebook | May 2017

May 4, 2017

You might have noticed that I didn’t share my inspiration notebook with you last month. Last month was a blur and I just didn’t have time to pull it together. Things are still crazy busy but I did manage to log an insert in my inspiration notebook this month. I enjoy taking the time to pull these pages together and recognize the things around me that provide inspiration.

When I looked at the calendar the other day, I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that it is May. We’re almost half way through the year and I’m already exhausted just thinking about everything thing I want to accomplish before the year ends. While I can’t control the future, I can enjoy today so the pages in my notebook for May are filled with things I’m enjoying on a daily basis. Here’s a look at what’s inspiring me in work, home and my personal life. Enjoy!

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DESIGNING: I’m hoping that a new design client I’m working with will love this Gabby Clay Chandelier as much as I do. It’s the inspiration for the entire dining room.

READING: I couldn’t wait to find dive into this gorgeous entertaining book, Veranda Entertaining. It was everything I expected and more–beautiful images, inspiring ideas and drool worthy tablescapes. One of my top 10 design books ever!

RELAXING: I haven’t been sleeping well lately so I’m trying to make sure I spend time winding down at the end of the day. The Nest Blue Garden Candle is my go-to spring candle scent that helps me to relax and unwind.

INSPIRED BY: I’ve been seeing lots of floral arrangements in old wood boxes popping up on Pinterest. I love the look for a spring and summer tablescape.

LISTENING: Most days when I’m at my desk working I have jazz music or a podcast playing. The Clever Podcasts are a favorite and every episode has great takeaways for career and life.

CRAFTING: I love crafting and recently I’ve been drawn back to jewelry making in my spare time. One of my new sources for unique chain/hardware is my local lighting store for chandelier chain.

SHOPPING: We’ve got a cruise planned for early September and I’ve already started shopping for a dress to wear on formal night. I’m channeling my inner Carolina Herrera and thinking of pairing a crisp white shirt with this Red Floral Ball Skirt or this Black Floral Ball Skirt. Which would you choose??

LOVING: Just when I thought BaubleBar had it all they come out with these super cute Caicos Pom Pom Earrings.

CRAVING: Now that fruit season is here, I’m loving my morning meal–yogurt and fruit parfait. My ingredients include plain vanilla yogurt, granola, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Yum!

MAY INSPIRATION NOTEBOOK | 2017

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Gift Wrap Inspiration: Tassel Ribbon Tie

May 1, 2017

With Mother’s Day just a few weeks away, you may have gift giving on your mind. If you’re looking for the perfect gift, be sure to check out my Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Once you’ve purchased a gift you’ll need to wrap it so I’ve got a fun and easy gift wrap idea for you today.

DIY GIFT WRAP: Tassel Ribbon Tie

Wrapping gifts is one of my favorite things to do and because I’m a paper and ribbon collector {aka-hoarder} I’ve got a stash of pretty paper and embellishments perfect for the occasion.

I’m always drawn to floral motifs when it comes to Mother’s Day gift wrap so I chose this pretty orange and pink floral blossom paper. I love the bold design and the accent of apple green in the background pattern.

Similar Floral Gift Wrap // Similar Faux Leather Tassels // Orange Ribbon

Wanting to put a different spin on the bow, I decided to create a tassel tie using white faux leather tassels that I had.

You won’t believe where these tassel came from. They originally started out as tassel garland from the Nate Berkus collection at Target. I scored several sets of the garland in white and black on clearance for less than $3!

When I purchased the garland I had the idea of making necklaces but also knew the tassels would make a great gift wrap embellishment.

Making the tassel tie was super easy. I measured a length of ribbon long enough to fit around the box and tie and simple bow. Then I tied a tassel on to each end. Once the box was wrapped, I used the tassel tie like a regular ribbon to embellish the gifts.

Similar Floral Gift Wrap // Similar Faux Leather Tassels // Orange Ribbon

One of the best parts of creative gift wrapping is using items in new ways. These tassels were meant for home decor but make the perfect finishing touch for a gift.

The next time you shop the clearance aisle at your favorite store, be on the look-out for trinkets and charms you can use when wrapping gifts.

Designer Tricks of The Trade | Ideas To Inspire

April 27, 2017

Have you ever wanted to know what tricks designers use to create unique rooms? Well, today is your lucky day. I’m sharing TEN designer tricks that you can easily incorporate into your own home to get a custom look with your decor.

Some of the ideas require a little DIY, the others are quick, easy and affordable decorating ideas.

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DESIGNER TRICKS OF THE TRADE

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No. 1 REVERSING RUGS

Did you know that some rugs are designed with a defined pattern on each side? That’s like getting two rugs for the price of one. Rugs with two usable sides are great because with a quick flip of the rug you can change the look of your decor. The next time you’re rug shopping check the back side and see if it has a usable pattern.

tip: pay attention to the weave and feel of the back side to make sure you like it

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The same ‘reverse’ trick works with some fabrics too. Designer Jamie Meares used the reverse side of this dot fabric as the welt providing the perfect contrast to give the chair a real designer touch.

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No. 2 CHANGING OUT or UpSTYLING LAMPSHADES

Have you ever come across the perfect lamp but it has an awful shade? It happens all the time. It might be that the shade is the wrong shape or color, or maybe the lamp needs a shade with more style. The trick here is to buy the lamp and change or UpStyle the shade!

One of my favorite sources for lampshades online is Lux Lampshades. Lux has a quick ship program with in-stock shades of all shapes, sizes and fabrics. And their custom program allows you to design a custom shade from a range of fabrics and frames they have available.

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No. 3 USING OUTDOOR LIGHTING INDOORS

Did you know that the only major difference between outdoor lighting and indoor lighting is that the finishes on outdoor lighting are created to withstand weather elements? Beyond that outdoor lighting is suitable for indoor use. Some of my favorite outdoor lighting styles to use inside are scones and lanterns. Check out this chic outdoor light used in a bathroom by A Beautiful Mess.

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No. 4 MOUNTING A FRAME WITHIN A FRAME

I’m always taking about how important layering is when decorating and that concept even applies to wall decor. If you have a framed art piece that’ to small, think about hanging it inside of a larger frame. The two pieces combined will provide the impact you’re desiring and also give your wall decor statement a custom look.

tip: don’t overlook ugly artwork at a thrift store because the frame might be of value

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No. 5 CREATING A LARGE RUG FROM TWO

Did you know that designers sometimes create one rug from two? Let’s say you find the perfect rug but it doesn’t come in a large enough size. If the pattern works, you can actually use rug tape to create a larger size from two smaller rugs. And if you want a more permanent fix, some rug companies can actually glue the rugs together.

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No. 6 A TOUCH OF BLACK IN EVERY ROOM

This is one of my tried and true design rules. Black adds a touch of drama to a room and helps to ground the decor. Don’t think that it has to be a piece of black furniture or a wall painted black, all it takes is a touch. A lamp base, a decorative object or a textile with black in it. If you have a room in your home with no black, add the color and see the impact it makes.

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No.7 MIX HIGH END WITH LOW END

Because I’m an avid vintage shopper, I love mixing high with low. A high-quality sofa paired with inexpensive pillows or a budget friendly rug paired with a statement coffee table are just two ways to mix it up. Mixing high and low will give your decor distinct flair, add personality and save you money.

My favorite budget friendly pieces are side tables, pillows and decorative objects.

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N0. 8 MIX OLD & NEW

Just like mixing high and low, mixing old and new is a great way to customize your decor. Pair a vintage coffee table with a new sofa or a new lamp with a thrifted cabinet. The days of shopping at one store for all your decor needs are gone so have fun mixing it up.

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No. 9 PATTERN MIXING

Ask any designer and they will tell you that pattern-work is key to any design statement. You don’t have to go bright and bold because subtle colors and patterns can have just as much impact as bright colors and bold prints. The key to pattern mixing is to pair patterns of different scales and styles. You can read more of my tips on pattern mixing here.

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No. 10 EMBELLISHING OFF THE SHELF FABRICS

I love designer fabrics but they aren’t always in the budget. One of the tricks designers use to UpStyle off-the-shelf textiles is to add trim. There are some many affordable trims that can be applied to curtains, pillows or just about anything. Check out that seat cushion below that has been transformed with some greek key trim. #brilliant

tip: my favorite trim source are this, this and this