Christmas Tree Inspiration

If there is one season that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, that would be Christmas time.  Every year during the yule tide season, I become a kid again.  I love the food, the fragrant smell of pine everywhere, the Christmas carols...well most of them, and the way everyone seems to be in a better mood.  I especially love the many different ways people decorate their Christmas trees.

 Every year the trees seem to be more creative and even more fabulous than before.  Check out these trees from trendytree and I dare you to not be inspired!

Cherio!

Easy As 1-2-3...DIY Large Scale Wall Art Fixes

www.bhg.com

A group of paintings in the same/similar palette makes a stunning large scale piece

A few days ago, I decided to get rid of a large scale painting I had on my living room wall.  Sigh.  It was one of those paintings that you like but not love.  You know the kind, almost but not quite the right fit for the space. Well, since I moved the painting which was an original piece and fairly large, I was left with this huge open space.  As you know, large scale original Art is very expensive, so, there I was wondering, "now what am I going to replace this with?".  

Well, whenever I am need inspiration I make a beeline for the internet.  And so I did. I found so many neat ideas there I just had to share.  Most of the these pieces are so very simple and economical but they add so much grandeur and style to a room.  Check them out...  

www.bhg.com

You know those black and white photos you've been meaning to print?  Well, here's the perfect place for them. How gorgeous is this!

pic origin unknown

It doesn't get easier than this.  Just hang a piece of tapestry or decorative fabric and you have instant transformation.  Absolutely gorgeous!

decorpad

Who would have thought that plates could look so chic!    I bet you will look at plates a little differently from now on....

pic origin unknown

This look is one of my personal favorites.  All you have to do is find some images of birds or animals and print them out.  (You can borrow a book from the library and scan them or get them online.)  I like to collect old frames to frame my prints but if you don't, not to worry.  Any group of simple frames will do.  Just keep them within the same color palette.

pic origin unknown

This is basically like the look above but showcasing plants instead of birds.  So lovely and classic.

I adore this look.  It is so romantic and easy to make.  Poster boards were covered with burlap and then a print was centered (and glued) on top. Industrial screws were used as accents at the corners of the prints.  I love that little touch, it really gives this a little bit of an edge.

www.bhg.com

Framed wall paper??!!!  Oh yeah baby!  Super fast, ultra easy and your pocket book will thank you.

pinterest

And finally this look.  How's this for the "wow' factor. Of course your frame does not have to be this big. Just get a large glass or acrylic frame and lots of family photos. Perhaps this can be a family activity....  The extra hands would make this project fun and fast.

Well, I hope you found something here that sparks your creativity, I know I did.  Have a wonderful week!

Cherio!

Sensational Boudoirs

I've always had a soft spot for bedrooms....nah, nothing weird, kinky or crazy.  The Bedroom just happens to be my favorite room to decorate or admire.  It's such an intimate space.

Think about it, 
. It's where we rest and renew ourselves
. Where we go to escape from stress or have some quiet time
. The place we tuck our precious babies in at bedtime
. And for us married folks, its where the magic happens that made those babies
. And last but not least, it's where us ladies keep our closet!  Need I say more...

Bedrooms are the one place you can let the romantic in you roam free.  Whether you are married or single you can create a space that is, inviting, relaxing, and tailor made to suit your taste, whatever it is.  After all, your boudoir is all about you!

Here are some beautiful bedrooms that really inspired me, I hope they inspire you too.

Cherio!

Uber Stylish, Ultra Easy DIY Chalkboards

http://frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com

I've been wanting to make a chalkboard for quite a while now. The warmth, coziness and personalized feeling that these chalkboards exude is so very appealing to me. Chalkboards are also practical and perfect for displaying dinner menus, chore list, messages, honey-do's and may other functional purposes.  But wait......there's more! They can also be decorative, modern and chic!

Yesterday, I found the perfect space in my kitchen for my own chalkboard. Now, all I have to do is find the right frame.....which for me would be an ornate French frame or a shabby chic Venetian frame.  As soon as I find my frame, it's on! 

HOW EASY IS IT...

In addition to being functional, the chalkboard is also inexpensive and very easy to make.  All you need is:

Chalkboard paint: chalk spray $5.00 or chalk paint $12.00

Primer

Paint brush  (use only if you have the paint instead of the spray)

A picture frame with a smooth solid surface to apply the paint to

You can use the backboard that comes with the picture frame if its solid/sturdy enough.  You can also cut a piece of poster board, particle board or thin ply wood to fit the frame.   Keep the picture or back board that came with the frame as a template to cut the chalkboard from.

http://lisaferncreek.blogspot.com

Next -

1. Remove the glass from the frame carefully 

2. Prepare the board of your choice for painting with primer

2. Spray or paint the surface (2 to 3 coats, allowing the paint to dry between each coat)

3.  Let the surface dry completely and then put it into the frame.


3.  Hang and enjoy!  

Tip:

Visit thrift stores and flea markets for interesting frames.  You'll be surprised at what is available to you. And the prices will blow your mind....,.in a good way! Remember it's the frame you want, so if you dislike the Art but like the frame, and the price is right.   Buy it.

isabella and max rooms

this american wife

your home based mom

Photo from HGTV web site

Photo from Country Living Magazine

Image from Pottery Barn

Photo from Houzz.com

awelldressedhome

Here are links to chalkboard crafts that are beautiful, fun, and easy to do.  Enjoy and let me know if you decide to try this.  I would love to see how it turned out.  As soon as I find a frame I really like, I will be posting pictures of my chalkboard here.  Fingers crossed.

Cherio!

http://www.homeroad.net/2011/03/upcycled-chalkboard.html

http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/2009/05/mini-chalkboard-tutorial.html

Its All About The Napkin Ring

I truly believe that beauty is in the details.  A good example of this is the napkin ring.  It is not a necessity to set a table, however, it is such a quick and easy way to spice up a table setting.

houseofpeltier

 Napkin rings come in so many shapes, styles and prices, the choices are endless.  You can also make your own, this way you can personalize the colors and style to fit your own specific taste.  If you have broken costume jewelry, ribbons or old magazines somewhere in the house, you can make your own napkin rings from these materials quite easily.  Since napkin holders do not take up much space on a table and they are easily stored, why not create different styles for different occasions......  Just take a look at these beauties and you'll see what I mean.

zenceramics

These are ceramic with sea shells as an accent.  I like the way how each one is slightly different in color and texture from the other. 

eabdesigns

Go above and beyond the norm.   Add a couple of brooches or earrings in different shapes and sizes to fabric napkin holders.   Your guests will notice and appreciate this sophisticated detail.

houseofpeltier
The texture and natural color palette of these napkin rings is just divine.  Works great with color and monochromatic color schemes.

localcolorseaglass
How cute are these sea glass napkin rings!  I see these in my D.I.Y future...

merchantoverseas

This is so unusual and chic.  Check out the Swarovski crystals on this! You can also get a similar look with rhinestones. 

houseofpeltier

Lol, the next time you see a pine cone, pick it up.  

houseofpeltier
All I can say is wow.  So fresh and delectable looking, yet sooooo simple.

Revisions

These gorgeous napkin rings were repurposed from vintage spoons and forks.  

houseofpeltier

Burlap napkin rings are so textural and nostalgic to me.  The addition of this sweet red ribbon makes it extra special.

Well, I hope you enjoyed our napkin tour.  I sure did.  Before I leave though, you'll find a step by step guide at www.ehow.com to make your own napkin rings.  The tutorial is super easy and a lot of fun.  Happy crafting!