DIY Vases In A Snap!

So I saw this neat idea for making your own vases at factorydirect and of course, being a craft head DIY enthusiast I was intrigued.  For those of you who enjoy StarBucks frappuccinos, this one's for you. These little milk bottle vases are so cute! I love how the bottles are big enough to hold a little bouquet in each one or just a single bloom. Either way, this look is so chic! And you know what the best part is?  It's super easy to do, cost next to nothing and you are recycling too. Now that's what am talkin about!


Thing you’ll need:

4 empty iced coffee bottles
Newspaper
Matte white spray paint

Things to do:
1. Clean the bottles well and remove any sticky residue from the labels. Dry the bottle thoroughly.

2. Spread newspaper out to cover a well ventilated surface and set the bottles open side down on the paper, about five inches apart from one another.
3. In quick, thin bursts, spray the outside of the bottles.
4. Allow the paint to dry and then spray a second coat. You’ll need three or four coats to cover the glass well and many thin coats will give a better result than one or two thick ones.
5. Once the bottles are well coated, set them on their sides and touch up the top rim with a little more paint, trying not to get any inside of the bottles.
6. Let the paint harden overnight before using.

Cherio!

The Power and Glory of Craigslist!

Listed for less than $50.00 on CL

It is no surprise at all that I have become such a fan of Craigslist.   After all, this site is one ginormous garage sale, and I do love a good garage sale!  What's not to like?  You can find anything on Craigslist, and I mean anything.  Need to hire a clown for your kid's party? Craigslist. Mulch for your garden? Craigslist.......what about a specific style of furniture? done!  You get the picture.  From the refined and expensive to the down right dirt cheap and preposterous, you will find it all on craigslist.  And that's the beauty of it.   Craigslist is there 24/7 in all it's cyber glory churning out new fabulous listings on the minute, and some really strange and ugly ones too............ which makes the searching even more exciting to me.  Kinda like finding a brand new pair of Louboutin's in a box of miscellaneous stuff.  Oh. Happy. Day!!!

Listed for $25.00  on CL

If there is a down side to Craigslist though, it would be arranging the pickup of an item.  My simple rule is never go alone and never let the buyer come to your home.  Always be careful when you are dealing with strangers. It's a rule I practice with no exceptions.

Having said that, my experiences so far has been really good ones. I've even made a few friends in the process so I fully endorse Craigslist to anyone who enjoys garage sales or bargain hunting.  The finds are swwweeeeeeeeet!

All the Above for $500.00 on CL

 Check out the beauties I found today. What do you think?  Do you use Craigslist?

Listed for $100.00  on CL

Listed for $170.00  on CL

Listed for  less than $50.00  on CL

Fashion Forward Easy Fix For Bare Walls

 I saw this ingenious idea a few days ago and I am so excited to try it!  Who knew that framed magazine covers could look so amazing.  I am a bit of a magazine collector myself so I have lots of them.  Naturally, I am always on the lookout for innovative ways to preserve and display them. This is perfect!  

Months ago I wrote a post Tearin It Up Decoupage Style! in which I discovered 
how to recycle some of my magazines into Art.  I liked it so much that I made 
many pieces of Art, and now it is a real passion. Who knows what'll happen 
with this.... 

What do you think? 


Cherio!

The Magic Of Mirrors In Decor

Venetian mirrors inside Coco Chanel's home

Mirrors by far are my favorite design element in home decor.  Why is that? You might ask.   Well, for starters, you can find a mirror in just about any style, shape, size or color under the sun.  And if that isn't good enough reason, here are some other reasons why mirrors are so amazing.

Original Louis Philippe mirror

Use A Mirror To:

• reflect light from a window or chandelier throughout a room
• reflect an outdoor view
• visually expand a space (the reflection doubles the expanse/space)
•  basic function – to check hair/makeup before leaving the house
• to introduce a different shape or texture
• to reinforce a style with the frame shape
• to create a focal point in an otherwise featureless room

Of all the features and benefits the mirror provides, I must say that the light, space and airiness it brings to a room is what I enjoy most.  Interior decorators say that a mirror should reflect a wonderful view.  I agree.  Mirrors look best in places where they can reflect light from a window, or where they are adjacent to a window so that you see "outside" in them...trees, the sky...you get the point.  So, if you have a small space or would like to kick it up a notch in your home consider adding a mirror.  You'll be surprised at how this simple addition can transform and liven up a room.

Here are some great mirror photos for inspiration, enjoy!

www.trendir.com

www.apartmenttherapy.com

Picture from decor magazine

christmasoutdoorhomedecoration

christmasoutdoorhomedecoration

Antique french mirror - origin unknown

Gorgeous mirror with column detail - origin unknown

Drift wood mirror

 darrelldeanantiques

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!

Vive La Toile!

If I knew the French national anthem or could actually speak French, I would salute the French people every time I see a piece of Toile.  But, since I cant, on behalf of myself and Toile lovers world wide, I say a heartfelt, merci beaucoup!

Even if you are not familiar with the word "Toile", chances are, you have seen it before.  And, having seen it, you will not easily forget it. Yes, Toile is that memorable.  Now, I realize that my opinion may be a tad biased since Toile and I enjoy such a long and exciting relationship, but trust me, this fabric is simply a-m-a-z-i-n-g.

  

What Is Toile Exactly....

Toile, (pronounced twall) is short for Toile de Jouy, and is a fabric used in home decor.  The pattern on the fabric is repeated and traditionally depicts a fairly complex French Provincial scene that visually tells a story.  Toile is usually one-color, most often greens, brown, black, dark red, blue and sometimes magenta on a creme or white background.  Toile de juoy originated in France in the 18th century and is revered and loved for its romanticism and classic beauty. 

Today, its possible to find Toile with many different pastel backgrounds which makes it even more popular in home decor.  So, whether you prefer the traditional Toile like I do or the newer versions of this fabulous fabric, try it, Toile never disappoints.  

There is something about this fabric that is so charismatic that it gives a space a whole new personality.  It has just the right impact without being a show off.  I like that.



Toile is a very romantic fabric. The patterns exudes a certain nostalgia that just warms the heart.  With Valentine's day approaching, a touch of Toile for a table setting or perhaps your boudoir is a very cozy and refreshing look.

One of the things I love most about this fabric is its classic beauty.  And we all know that classic only gets better with time.

Because of its one-color palette and vast array of themes, Toile is a very versatile fabric.  Whether its a throw pillow, wall paper, curtain or bedspread, adding a bit of Toile to your decor will invigorate your space.  Try Toile with gingham or a check fabric for maximum drama.

I hope this post inspires you to put a little Toile in your life.   

Bonne journée!

Pictures are courtesy of:

http://cdn.decorpad.com

http://www.potterybarn.com

http://www.timorousbeasties.com

http://beautydoesmatter.blogspot.com

http://handstampedbylacey.typepad.com

http://eclecticrevisited.wordpress.com

http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com

http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com

Decorating On A Dime with Salvage & Garage Sale Finds

If you ever heard the saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure" and you go to Flea Markets and Garage sales, you know that this is so true.  I am always amazed by what people either throw away or sell for nickels and dimes. From chandeliers to old barn doors, mirrors, antiques and anything else you can think of, I have seen it all at a garage sale. Better still, the prices on these items are ridiculously low or even free in some cases.

I remember the very first "treasure" piece that I acquired.  It was a sad looking French wrought iron garden table.  The tarnished white paint was flaking and it had a little rust going on in some places, but to me it was gorgeous!  Luckily, my neighbor who owned it saw me admiring her table and gave it to me as a gift. Or maybe she just wanted it out of her yard, whatever the reason, I am the proud owner of that table today. Well, that was years ago but that simple experience opened my eyes to a whole new dimension in decorating.  Flea market and garage sales here I come!

Before I go any further, I must warn you that decorating with salvage pieces/garage sale finds is very addictive.  I personally know a lady who has both her house and yard full of "treasures".  Very careful selection is key here.  If you find yourself collecting toilets to plant flowers in, you my friend have gone too far.  Yes, I know it sounds funny, but people actually do this.  Perhaps the same people who coined the phrase "dumpster diving"..........  In any event, you do not want to go that far with this.  Consider yourself forewarned. Only select pieces that you already have a home or a plan for.

Here are a few ideas to inspire you and get you started. Happy collecting, and I cant wait to hear about your finds!

This shabby chic vintage sign is perfect as a wall hanging or as part of a vignette.

 Architectural wood elements are great to add rustic charm and a personalized touch.

If you see something like this and can afford it, buy it.  You cannot go wrong with this purchase.

I love this look.  So beautiful and out of the box, a great way to repurpose an old ornate frame.

This room has so much personality, and most of the pieces are "treasure" finds.

The headboard is simply divine

.

Assorted candle sticks and one amazing vintage mirror....exquisite.

Wrought iron pieces are a great find.  They are textural, alluring and visual interesting.

An old window/door adds so much character to a space.  Try it, you wont be disappointed.

Pictures courtesy of 

EAB Designs

nskwood

frenchlarkspur

For more information on the subject check out:

raisedincotton

thegrowersdaughter

You can also find

SALVAGE ITEMS ON EBAY

And salvage inspired items (Shabby Chic) on Amazon.