Rags To Riches - DIY Rag Rug Inspiration

This is literally a rag to riches story. Well, sort of.  I'll explain.

Have you ever seen one of these beauties? Am sure you have at some point in your life.  Can you believe they were made from rags? Yes, you heard right. Rags, my friends. These rugs were crafted from old clothing and fabric that we all have lying around the house including my personal fav, old t.shirts! 

What I love about Rag Rugs

Unique look/design

Awesome texture

Versatility (could work in any part of a home)

Easy to clean

Totally recycled/green

As you may already know if you have visited my blog for more than I minute... I love, love, love a DIY project!  But, what I love even more than that is making something meaningful from otherwise discarded or useless things. 

In other words, I saw these rugs and that was it. Love at first sight. I just knew that I had to make one of these rugs. I presently own 2 of these gorgeous rugs already (I bought them) but now I am gonna jump in and make one!.  So siked! :)

Here is a video that will show you how it's done! Enjoy. :)

Cherio!

The Houzz that Style Built!

Every now and then I come across a site that I become utterly addicted to. Houzz is one of these sites.  I must warn you in advance that I fell hard for this site like a lovesick teenager,  I giggle and gush about it to my friends and cannot get enough!

Houzz is a platform that allows one to browse and save beautiful home photos.  It is a community more than 40 million homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals—across the country and around the world.  The inspiration, products, advice and design help and possibilities is endless. 

You can find just about anything imaginable pertaining to home decor and design on this site.  What I love best is that you can browse a limitless amount of pictures of every style profile you can conquer up.  From modern to rustic to classic and so much more, you can find it all.  Plus, once you find the inspiration you crave, you can shop for the individual pieces to recreate this look from the site. Love that!  And so, without further ado, here are some of the designs you will see there, check the site out and let me know what you think! :)

CHERIO!

One Craft A Day Keeps Boredom Away

Hello lovelies!

I"ve been working on some new prints for my etsy shop.  I love these two if I must say so myself.  What do you think?

Power Print

Jesus Print

Cherio!

Turner Classic Movies - Hats Off To You!

One of my favorite things to do in this world is watch TCM or Turner Classic Movies.  If you have never watched one of these old classic movies you are missing a real treat!  One of the things I enjoy most about them is the clean content. Yes, ZERO swear words for the most part, great story lines and let's not even talk about the fashion and set design. It is is bananas!  And I mean that in the most fabulous, exquisite kind of way.

Do not quote me on this but as simple as wearing a hat, the women of the 1930's era had something that made these pieces legend.  These women had enough swag to swim in.  Seriously.  I particularly like the scenes where the actress wore a hat because the hats were so creative, stylish and dramatic.  No matter how dramatic though, the lady wearing the hat wore the heck out of that hat and not the other way around.  Gotta love that!  Here are some of my favorite still shots.  Enjoy!

Cherio!

Fall Boot Crush

Fall is here and though I am a little nervous about the approaching Winter months, (I hate cold weather) I take comfort in the fact that I can wear boots again!  And I love me some boots!  

Here are a few that I absolutely adore.

Guess by Marciano

Leather with metal studs, $248; atguessbymarciano.com.

Marciano, oh Mr Marciano, ya killin me!  I almost want to marry these....

Via Spiga

Embossed metallic leather, $250; atviaspiga.com.

If these shoes had fingers, it would promptly do the diva finger snap.  It has so much attitude and style....for days.

Pour La Victoire
Flannel and leather, $315; visit pourlavictoire.com for stores.

Just because I love the color and the shape of these.  I can see this with a short full skirt.  So fresh.

H Williams

Okay, i couldn't love this any more if I tried.  The color and the style is the best of both vintage and modern style.  It is a throw back to the victorian era but with a strong modern appeal.  Luv, luv.

And Finally my favorite, riding boots!  So comfortable and so chic. Hey, maybe Winter won't be so bad after all.

Have a fabulous week lovelies.

Cherio!

Save A buck or Two - Easy File Cabinet Makeovers

Complete tutorial at designsponge

How many time have you stared at that old crusty file cabinet and would have physically thrown it outside...if you could lift it?  Well, after today, whenever you look at that cabinet it will be in awe.  I've got something for ya!  These easy makeovers will not only be a snap to do but they will brighten up your space and bring some style to your organizing.

As you know, file cabinets are very sturdy, durable and very inexpensive. That is, if you buy a used one.  You can find them just about anywhere and everywhere, at thrift stores, garage sales, craigslist....perhaps forgotten in your own basement.  And many of us do. A lot of these pieces are metal and they rust after a while so as soon as the rust starts to show they are put out to the curb or sold very cheaply.  But hey, this is good news for you!  Don't let a little rust scare you from seizing or retaining a potentially fabulous piece of furniture.

Here are some easy makeovers/tutorials you can use to transform a drab looking file cabinet.  Are you ready? Okay, let's do this!

 Find the super easy tutorial for this amazing transformation at quardecor.blogspot.com

You can never fail with map designs.  So chic.

quardecor.blogspot.com

Nothings adds more pizzaz than a pop of bright yellow.  How gorgeous is this!

Find the tutorial at littlehouseinthebigd

I absolutely love this! It is modern and romantic without being too girly...great balance and wonderful transformation. Find the tutorial at divineserendipity

The color and pattern on this piece is so rich, stylish and cheerful!

Find this tutorial at savedbylovecreations

Most of these transformations were done with  spray paint, leftover wallpaper remnants, spray adhesive, and cheap $2 handles from Home Depot or Ace Hardware. Stencils and scrap grass cloth can also be used as well.  Just have fun and let your imagination go!

Cherio and happy diy-ing.

2012 Olympic Style - Hit or Miss?

 Like everyone else and their pooch, I am watching the olympics.  I am thoroughly enjoying the various activities especially gymnastics, swimming and my personal favorite.......the wearing/unveiling of the many many different uniforms.  Every country has their own individual style and colors so it is truly interesting, at least for someone like me.  Here are some of the uniforms that set tongues a-wagging.  What do you think?

JAMAICA - Hey, am a little partial since I have Jamaican heritage (via my dad) but these uniforms are so fly! Big up Jamaica, nuff respect!

                                                           

Designed by Cedella Marley, daughter of the late Bob Marley,

 in corporation with PUMA

AMERICA - I am a huge Ralph Lauren fan and I think the uniforms are really beautiful in a pure classic "Americana "sense, something Ralph is best known for. There are some aspects however I could live without.......perhaps these could have a little more of an edge, after all, most of these athletes are young people.  I especially do not like that they were made in China.  Why Ralph?...why???

Designed by Ralph Lauren

Britain - I grew up in the British culture...I drank tea and drove on the left hand side of the road  sang English songs and spent money that had the queen's face on it.......  All that to say, I love you, but try as I may I can't look at this uniform without wanting to dance. The sound track from staying alive comes to my mind every time.  I'll say this much, you have to have chutzbah to wear this!  Especially the men.  Indeed.

Designed by Stella McCartney

South Korea - I really like South Korea's uniform. This is a great example of classic done in a way that captures the modern sensibility as well.  It is hard to find that balance but this is a great example of that.  Gorgeous!  

Designed by Fila

And Finally these beautiful ladies at the Olympics.  

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!