My most recent Project

Adorable Valentines

valentines for your valentines

Do you have a valentine?

Or a friend who is extra sweet?

Do your kids want to send something special to their best buddies?

Introducing a collection of printable valentines perfect for your valentines.

These valentines are printable files – simply download the pdf, print on your favorite card stock and trim along the dotted lines {provided in the file}.

If you don’t have a printer at home or the office, any print shop {kinkos, office depot, etc.} can print the files for you. Each design is 3.5 x 5 and formatted with four cards per page. The file is yours to keep and you are welcome to print as many as you like.

You will need Adobe reader in order to view the full pdf,

which you can download for free {HERE}.

http://jonesdesigncompany.com/page/2/

Silver Leaf Craft from Blue Cricket Design

My good friend Danielle and I have tried to start doing more crafts when we hang out. Here is what is next on my list :)

I'm in love with Mercury Glass at the moment so when I saw this DIY on creating your own I had to jump on over and see! Remodel this House has a fantastic tutorial that makes this all the more fun! Thanks for sharing!

 

 

 

 

Maybe it is just me, but I have noticed that mercury glass is everywhere this season! I think mercury glass is timelessly beautiful, even if it is a cheaper substitute for silver. And while looking through the West Elm catalog, I saw some mercury glass vases and thought to myself...I can make that! So, this is my West Elm knockoff mercury glass vase how-to. Here is my inspiration picture:

What you will need: silver leaf, adhesive, umber glaze (I didn't have this and used antiquing glaze), a sponge brush, and a glass vase that you can stick your hand into. Since this is a trial-and-error DIY knockoff project, I am using three different types of glass and techniques to determine the best method for the mercury glass look. All three of my vases came from a thrift store for about $1 each.

Let's get started! Be sure that the glass is clean and dry. My plan it to add the antiquing glaze in with the adhesive on the plain vase, antique the crackle vase as the last step, and just silver leaf the ridged vase. And let me tell you now, the plain vase method was a fail.

Step 1 - Adhesive. Brush the adhesive onto the inside of the vase using the sponge brush. The adhesive is white so you will easily be able to see where you have put the adhesive. Cover the entire inside of the vase, making sure that the adhesive doesn't puddle in the bottom of the vase. If it does puddle, just wipe it out with a paper towel - I had to wipe out the extra adhesive. This step is easy peasy.

I added the antiquing glaze to the adhesive for the plain glass and created a major fail. The adhesive never became tacky and the silver leaf would not stick to it. So, don't try to add antiquing glaze to the adhesive. Wait until the end to antique!

Step 2 - Dry time. Let the adhesive dry for about 40 minutes...it will become tacky and a creamy color. While you wait, grab yourself a cup of hot cocoa and catch up on a TV show, which is what I did. Or if you are an over achiever, you could do laundry and dishes...but who wants to do that?!

Step 3 - Silver leaf. Take a piece of silver leaf and place it onto the adhesive with the silver side towards the adhesive. The key is to not be a perfectionist. If the silver leaf crinkled up on you, no worries it will look great. Press the silver leaf into the adhesive. Next, slowly peel off the wax paper leaving the silver leaf behind. If the silver leaf rips or comes off in pieces, even better. We don't want the glass to be all silver, we are going for mercury glass which is imperfect.

It was hard to hold the camera in one hand and silver leaf with the other. However, if you have two free hands, the silver leafing goes much quicker than in the video.

Step 4 - Brush it off. Brush the excess silver leaf off with a sponge brush. The silver leaf will fall to the bottom of the vase. Shake out the silver leaf into the trash. You now should have a happy little silver-ish vase.

Step 5 - Glaze. If you are happy with the look of the mercury glass, stop now. However, if you want a more antique look, this would be the time to add the glaze. To do this, brush the antiquing glaze onto the inside of the vase. Then, immediately wipe off the glaze. You can wipe off as much as you like, or leave as much as you like. Completely personal preference.

My original plan was to leave the ridged vase plain, no antique glaze. However, I liked the look and depth that the antique glaze gave the glass, so I antiqued it. I am pleased with the finished product, but I think next time I will add more silver leaf to make the vases look more like the inspiration picture. More is better. Also, I managed to salvage the plain glass vase by wiping out the antique adhesive with a paper towel and starting over with plain adhesive. Here are the finished vases: 

The plain vase doesn't have the antique glaze on it and the other two do. I think the best method is to antique at the end, if you want that look. If not, just silver leaf the vase and call it done.

Project cost breakdown:

Silver leaf          $4.50 (half off at Hobby Lobby)

Vase                 $3.00 for all 3
Adhesive           $2.00 (used a 40% off coupon)
Glaze                $0, already owned
Brushes            $0,  already owned
Total                $9.50 for 3 knock-off mercury glass vases

I love my knock-off mercury glass vases! And for $9.50 for three of them, you can't beat that deal. This post might seem long, but that is only because I was very detailed. It was super easy to make these. So easy that even I could do it. Now that I know I can "make" mercury glass, I am heading to Hobby Lobby to get some of the make-it-yourself ornaments and mercury glass those for my Christmas tree!

Sophisticated Elegance: White on Brown from The Lennoxx

A clean color palette of brown and white is a sure hit if you are aiming for a elegant and sophisticated look in your home. The point is proven in this beautiful living room designed by Kelly Proxmire.

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With such a simple color palette, the details are all the more important. White molding creates depth not only on the ceiling, but also on furniture and doors. Notice how Kelly combines damask fabrics with chevron and dots.

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A deep rich paint color like this makes such a wonderful backdrop for curvy white furniture like this, don’t you think? I really see the gorgeous details in the ceiling as the icing on the cake. Such a delightful detail.

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Brown and White Damask Fabric, Tudor Brown Paint color, Pagoda Lamp,Frances Elkins Chair, Silk pillows

Here are some cuties for achieving the look of this gorgeous room. Aren’t those silk throw pillows to die for?

Idea's for Christmas Card's from ETSY

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=christmas&search_type=handmade

This Makes me READY for FaLL!

 

Cute Article about Gwyneth Paltrow by Habitually Chic

At Home with Gwyneth Paltrow - Part One

I have to say, the November 2007 issue of House and Garden magazine is already one of my all time favorites. It might be because it's all about New York with fabulous interiors of fabulous people or it could be because I was granted access to a behind the scenes look at the Gwyneth Paltrow photo shoot in the Hamptons. Either way, it's spectacular! I thought it would be fun to show you the photos from the magazine first and then in the next post, I'll show what went into creating them. Enjoy!

Gwyneth describes the aesthetic of her home in the Hamptons as minimalist with a feminine twist and that's clearly evident from the preponderance of pink! Apparently Chris Martin is in touch with his feminine side as well. The home is surprisingly modern yet completely homey and comfortable looking. In the living room above, pieces from the Domus Design Collection are paired with Madeline Weinrib's Hollywood Regency chair and china and vases from Calypso Home.

In the foyer above, a Bolero chair by Mariette Himes Gomez for Hickory Chair is upholstered in Schumacher's Lace in Aqua while a Directions' Glam console table topped with a découpage barnacle lamp from John Derian. The art is actually needlework by Ann Carrington and seems to be a cheeky nod to Chris Martin's English heritage and their other life in London. I love the mix of patterns of the aqua chair fabric against the Zoffany Cordoba wallpaper in Gray.

"Paltrow took charge of the house's design nearly from the beginning. The spec house was already under construction when she first came upon it, but she worked with Washington, D.C.-based architectural designer Michael Minkoff to tailor the house to her family and her taste." She also had a little help from House and Garden editor Kim Gieske who gave her design source suggestions and produced this feature for the magazine. Tom Dixon's Mirror Ball pendants, from Property in New York hang over the staircase.

Paltrow splurged on the Tord Boontje blossom chandelier in the dining room but saved on the appetizer plates from CB2.

One of my favorite rooms in the house is the kitchen and apparently, I'm not alone. Photographer Eric Cahan told me that it was getting a lot of attention. Probably because we all dream of having a kitchen that spacious and beautiful. I usually prefer white kitchens but I love the dark grey/black cabinets. There is something slightly English looking about it. Also, a little Kelly Wearstler looking too. I am definitely rethinking my dream kitchen after seeing it!

"The kitchen is lined with custom cabinets by Minkoff while the pair of striking chandeliers are by Home and Co. for Birgit Israel in London. Seamless concrete counters are by Remik Studio, in Brooklyn, NY, and are punctuated with a stove from Jade Range, Brea, CA. The island's butcher-block top is from Bally Block Co., Bally, PA. Windows and doors throughout by Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co."

Paltrow's daughter, Apple, chose the fabrics for her canopy bed. I'm having flashbacks to my own pink canopied bed from my childhood. The custom canopy bed by Jonas in New York. We use Jonas for a lot of projects and I can attest that he is the best! The showroom with all the furniture styles in muslin is so much fun to wander through. The fabrics are from Raoul Textiles. Monogrammed pillows by Lori Jayne Monogramming and More, Palm Beach, FL, and the headboard is Ballard Designs' Stevenson. The floor is covered in Stark Carpet's Silverton in White.

I wish there were more photos of the master bedroom but I guess I can understand the desire for some bit of privacy. From what we do get to see, it looks dreamy. The bed is Usona's Thurman and is covered in Edelman's Cashmere Calf in Super White, and Wendell Castle's Muse side table topped with Vaughan?s Lausanne Crystal lamp. Wallpaper is Wook Kim's Feu in Gray. Carpet by Tai Ping. All bedding by Donna Karan.

When Paltrow couldn't find a vanity that she liked, she had one made out of a Paul McCobb dresser. I love the little kiddie stool. So cute!

Photo shoots can't be all work and no play right?! And they're probably even more fun when you're wearing a dress by Etro.

And now for the part of the tour that made me VERY jealous! Ms. Paltrow has her very own tea house looking pilates and yoga studio! Biatch! Ok, that wasn't very nice or professional of me to say that but you know you were thinking it too!

I was surprised to see the interior look to be covered in what appears to be plywood. Paltrow says she would like to cover the walls, floor and ceiling in bamboo so maybe that's the reason. Oh yeah, and in case you weren't already really jealous, the pool house has furniture by Janus et Cie and her dress is Calvin Klein. Sigh. Must be nice.

Photos by Eric Cahan
Visit Source Here: http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2007/10/at-home-with-gwyneth-paltrow-part-one.html

Duplex Apartment with Creative Interior Decor in Tel Aviv

I found a cute article on digsdigs.com. Check it out: http://www.digsdigs.com/duplex-apartment-with-creative-interior-decor-in-tel-aviv/

This duplex apartment has total area of 160 sq.m. and designed in very creative and personal way. The first floor feautres the entrance, bar, living room and bedroom. The bedroom and the living room both facing the large windows to the urban landscape of Tel Aviv. The interior designed to express the nature of the owner of the apartment. Colorful paving consist of random tiles provides a significant contribution to the design. A lot of retro furniture and accessories are used all around the duplex.

The work room is situated at the second floor where the owner could get by custom made wooden staircase. Come to the work room is like a ceremony because there is a long corridor before it. The room made with the spirit of Irish pub and colored in a deep murky green. Entire apartment shows that its designer is new to that. There aren’t any well known furniture brands used anywhere. Using of recycled materials just a bit of originality to the overall impression from the interior.

We-detail-nesday is ALL about the BathRooM

Today's Detail's are ALL aBouT BaTHrooM's

Check out some fun unique bathrooms, and the details that make them so unique.

This long island en suite designed by Vincente Wolf achieves an aqueous quality of being underwater through the seafoam green glass walls. A mix of touches from the past with modern elements creates a unique space that is contemporary, yet timeless.

http://georgiaafterschoolservices.org/bathroom/

http://www.trendir.com/interiors/bathroom/?start=5

These eclectic bathroom design ideas are from Delpha. Two key elements work together to make these bathroom pictures so visually arresting. First, the use of bold and brilliant color. Deep reds and blackcurrants create a rich, sensual flavor; whereas zingy yellows, oranges and pinks have the refreshing effect of a citrus sorbet! Secondly, tiny mosaic tiles are used throughout this bathroom design gallery to give rise to an exceptionally precious look. The mosaic tiles shine in metallic and iridescent shades: eye-catching and practical, too. With their unusual mix of elements, these bathrooms seem truly timeless. Although bursting with the ‘wow’ factor, the design ideas feel entirely livable due to the careful attention to detail.

The classic look of black and white gets a cool, contemporary update in this modern bathroom design by Viva Ceramica. Featuring an inspired blend of retro-industrial-chic style, this modern bathroom design features contemporary white tile with an edge. A large-scale black-and-white floral motif adds interest without overwhelming the space, putting some pop into this otherwise pretty space. Chic chrome-plated fixtures shine in the background with an understated elegance, making way for the colorful star of this show – the unusual soft lilac-purple vanity and matching pendant light fixtures. Combining art with function, these colorful accents really bring all the elements of this design together.

http://www.homenix.com/sample-photos-modern-bathroom-design-inspiration-from-viva-ceramica/

http://www.yatzer.com/1793_in_bathroom_with_coco