What? A silver leaf table tutorial?

Holy crap.  I pretty much need to create this bedside table.  Well, I don't really need to since I don't have anywhere to put it, but I really want to.  There is a tutorial.  Seriously.  A side table silver leaf tutuorial.  I love that Little Green Notebook.  

reading 'til I'm sick.....

I ride Trimet to work every day - usually the bus.  It is super convenient, very reliable, earth friendly, and usually allows me to devour whatever book (or blog on the iphone) that I may be obsessed with at the moment.  The only problem is that I tend to get ridiculously car/bus sick.  Every day on the way to and from work I read and read and read right up until I am about to throw up on the passenger in front of me.   Sometimes I actually get all the way to work without having to stop reading and sometimes I only get a couple of miles.  I can't figure it out - I also usually get carsick faster on the way going home than I do on the way into the office.  Anyway, I realize that this is completely weird.  I am not in denial about it, but I just can't help myself when I find a book I love.  I thought I would share my latest spew-worthy and not-so-spew-worthy reading material:

The End of Mr. Y by Scarlett Thomas(thank you Courtney - this one was absolutely brilliant!)

This book was crazy and pretty thought provoking - it was about science, faith, the concept of space and time, facing death, and a ton more.  It was completely enjoyable - I couldn't put it down and would highly recommend it. 

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

I am a sucker for a good mystery.  Actually, I retract that. I am a mystery whore.  I prefer good to bad, but will happily read anything involving a crime and a solution (hello Patricia Cornwell, right!).  There is something about reading a book by a classic author, though, and this one offered some great plot twists!  

 

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

I am going to get completely lambasted for this, but I couldn't stand this novel.  I love the idea of it - some sort of life tragedy forces a woman to live out her dreams of traveling, eating, spending time meditating, etc, but I just thought this one was so tedious (and completely unspew-worthy).  It came highly recommended, though, so don't take my sourpuss review as gospel. 

I think next on my list is Popco by Scarlett Thomas.  If it is anything like Mr. Y, I will be finished with it in a couple of days, so I am hoping that some of you guys out there might be able to pass on some recommendations - let me know if there is something that is at the top of your book list!  

Also, I just got these two craft books, which will help me on my way to fulfilling my craft more and sew more New Years resolutions.  If anyone has tried any of Lotta's projects below - let me know.  The book seems to be filled with simple, quick and cute projects.  I will keep you posted on the progress.

 

Happy Monday! 

Origami Christmas

For some reason, I have never really gotten into origami.  This is not because I don't like it, I just have never really tried to do it/been around people who have/etc.  I think the paper is gorgeous and the art beautiful and for this year's Christmas Tree, I was thinking about trying to make a few origami ornaments.  What do you think?  I was crazily inspired by this photo - its amazing, isn't it! 

~via Julia~

When I was looking around the web for ideas, there were obviously millions (including Star Wars/Yoda origami - who knew?), but I am sticking with the traditional (and I believe beginner friendly) peace crane.  Sounds perfect for this time of year, doesn't it?  

~D&OC's crane mobile via Plush Palate~

I found some instructions for those of us who have never done it before.  They seem pretty easy, right?

~via Conflictzen~

And there are so many different papers you can use.  These are some vintage ones I found.

~via~

~via~

It will be the perfect origami Christmas:

I already found my next origami project....for after Christmas.  I feel myself becoming addicted already!

Origami Kusudama paper flowers - so pretty.  Tutorial located here. 

My favorite little green notebook

Yesterday, my friend Andi said the reason that she gets so crafty around this time of year, is that creativity is in her star sign during the months of November and December.  We're both Virgos so I am beginning to think my affinity for all things DIY might be in my cosmic make-up, too. 

I recently hit the crafty jackpot.  I discovered the most amazing blog through Jordan Ferney's Oh Happy Day.  It is called Little Green Notebook, and I can't get enough.  The stuff that Jenny comes up with is insane, and always looks gorgeous when she is finished.  Did I mention that she has two little girls, and a third one on the way?  I don't know where she finds the time to get to everything.  She posts great tutorials, and tons of interior design ideas, too.  You have to check it out - you will be truly inspired to use the coming long weekend to make over your house!  Here are just a few of my favorite projects... 

This photo features a couple of her projects - a revamped lamp, and a custom frame knockoff - enhanced with some inexpensive molding. 

Another photo featuring multiple projects: Updated Mattes, Lamp shades, and a refurbished orange shelf!

She made this ottoman out of a coffee table....seriously!  Doesn't it look amazing!

Gorgeous updated red credenza. 

She makes these pelmet boxes out of foam core board.  Super easy!

There are amazing tutorials for these and more on the site.  If you want to find some more DIY projects, just go onto Jenny's blog and search "DIY".  Tons of great ideas will pop up! 

Who needs paint?

I live in a rented townhouse, so have a very limited amount of creative juice I can pour into the color on the walls, etc.  If I remember correctly, which I think that I do (?), putting paint on the walls is completely off limits.  I don't know about you guys, but sometimes living in the world of white walls gets a bit depressing.  Lately, I have had the urge to mix things up a bit, and look for some alternative options to regular wall art & paint.   

Loving these Mandala Wall Decals in red-orange from Design Fruit.  $70 for all three.  Such an inexpensive & non-committal way to transform a room.

Frame art.....hmmmmm..definite food for thought.

~via Plush Palate~

Plate walls - mixing it up with colors, shapes and patterns makes it so much fun! 

~via down and out chic~

Birds around the cherry blossom branch - wall decal from Decor Designs.  This is so lovely, isn't it?

Fabric!  Seriously endless possibilities and totally customizable.  There is a great tutorial here, which involves only the fabric of your choice and some starch.  Genius!

Tape wall - another amazingly genius idea.  I'm not so sure I have the patience to keep all of these lines straight, but it is worth a try.  All of these stripes are made with Permacel paper tape - tutorial located here.

~via Jonathan Fong~

When looking on Jonathan Fong's site, I also came across this insane aluminum panel wall.  Can you believe this is just a roll of handyman coil?  I need to go to the bookstore and check out the entire wall book!  Tutorial here.

I know that this a little more along the lines of standard wall art, but I love this photo of a cut up and framed map.  A great alternative to framing the map as one whole piece.  Break it apart and cover the entire wall with it!

~via Trouvais~

Wall of mirrors - another great idea - opens a room up and makes a small space feel so much bigger.  I bought a couple of these at a little antique shop earlier this year and spraypainted the frames a glossy black - they look amazing! 

~via Jill Seidner~

Have you guys used any creative methods for covering your walls and making your house a bit more cozy?  I would love any suggestions! 

Win, win, win

I don't know about you guys, but I always have seriously good intentions for making some adorable Christmas gifts.  Sometimes, though, the weeks seem to roll by and procrastination gets the better of me.  I am really trying to stay true to it this year.  I feel insanely inspired by some of the ideas I have seen online, and need to make them a priority. 

Some of the most precious gifts I have ever received are the ones that people spent some time and thought putting together.  I always feel so honored when someone cares enough to make something for me with their own two hands.  It also feels really good to make something for someone you love, too.  And often times, you can put something together on your own for much less that you would spend at the store.  It's a total win, win, win situation.  Here are some of the ones that have inspired me of late....

For the vintage lovers in your life: Modern Victorian Collar Scarf from ...love Meagan.  This woman is DIY-mazing.  She comes up with the cutest ways to replicate some of the latest trends.

For the trendies: Faux fur vest via p.s. I made this.  Another seriously DIY-mazing lady.

For the coffee lover: Knitted French Press Cozy.  I don't know about you, but I can always use one of these to keep my press nice and toasty!

For the contemplative one: A handmade journal from Curiously Craft.  This really doesn't look that hard, and you can totally personalize it with the cover!

Map coasters via Martha. Adorable and unisex!

Homemade infused vodkas.  Seriously the easiest thing in the world to make.  I have done this numerous times, and it is always a big hit!  I mean, who doesn't like a little holiday cheer, right!?!

You can keep it pretty standard (lemon, mango, cherry) or mix it up a bit (lavender, honey, mint, basil, etc!).  Just have fun with it and be creative.  They have some great instructions here.  They also include a recipe for bacon vodka (yuk!) for the meat lover in your life.  I have used regular ball jars, but recycled wine bottles work great as well!  There are also some great recipes out there for homemade Irish Creme, Kahlua, & Lemoncello - all worth a try and bound to please. 

Another extremely easy recipe......this is one of my own.  Every year, I make a couple big batches of bath salts - they are perfect for stuffing stockings with, for bringing as a little hostess gift, or really, for just having around your own house.  They are also ridiculously easy to make!  You can also head to the Goodwill, or to Ikea to pick up some adorable glass jars to store them in. 

What you will need: Epsom or sea salts & essential oil. 

Put some parchment paper on a cookie sheet.  Spread the epsom or sea salts over the parchment paper.  Use a dropper to drop the essential oils all over the salts.  Let dry overnight.  Put the salts into the decorative jars, and you are all set to go.  (my new idea for this year is to use little Vietnamese "Pho" spoons instead of the wooden scoops - super cute, right?)

Don't forget to check out the motherload of DIY goodness for some more inspiration - www.designspongeonline.com and www.marthastewart.com.  I have so much love for them both!!

Also, if you guys have some other inspirations you are using I would LOVE to hear about them.  I am always looking for new craft/diy ideas.  Thanks and  Happy Monday!  Here's to a productive week! 

do it yourself dreams

I love diy. I especially love creating something that doesn't look overtly diy. Do you know what I mean? I really enjoy adding a bit of character and homemade uniqueness to my house, but I don't necessarily want my house to look like a craft warehouse. I have also been known to start a project and never finish it. I swear I have the best of intentions, but after a couple of hours I sometimes lose interest. Call it handmade ADD, I guess. I need something to truly, truly inspire me to finish. There are a ton of great diy websites out there, but none that inspire me as much as designspongeonline.com. Seriously, the ideas on here are what my diy dreams are made of. Even the non-diy posts make me want to run out and buy supplies immediately, and fully commit to completing a project. Every Wednesday, they post a few new projects. Here are a couple of my favorites that I am dying to try out:

Erik's Wine bottle torch. This is an amazing recycle project - I love repurposing something you would otherwise throw away.
And, who doesn't have a couple of wine bottles lying around, right!

Kate's recycled cake stands. I am in the process of co-planning a baby shower and a wedding shower.
These are adorable and would add so much character to a little dessert bar.

all photos via Design Sponge

I have actually completed a couple of my own diy projects lately. I will admit they are completely novice, as I just used black glossy spraypaint to spruce up some old mirrors and a little side table. Still, they have added an incredible amount of elegance to my house. If you are short on time and money, spray paint is such a fun way to give some of your dusty household treasures a bit of glamour! I will get some of these pics up asap. Happy diy-ing!