a touch of chevron

You know how it is when you look around a room and just think something is missing. I had been feeling that way about my master bedroom for a while. The walls were painted, I had new bed linens, a playful picture collage and a newly upholstered pink velvet bench under the window. There's color and pattern everywhere - why does it feel imcomplete? And then I looked at the windows. They were so plain! And that's when I decided that I needed bold pattern on the curtains to bring everything together. A black and white chevron print was my dream, but the idea of sourcing fabric and having full length drapes sewn seemed like way too much money and time. I wanted that burst of pattern right away! So off to Ikea, for two sets of the Lenda curtain in bleached cotton ($14.99 per pair!!) Another stop at Lowe's yielded a quart of semi-gloss acrylic black paint and one 4-inch trim roller. Back at home, I threw a drop cloth down on the living room floor, laid the first curtain panel on it (careful to smooth out all the wrinkles), and then started zig-zagging away. Several hours later, plus some drying time, and voila!, DIY chevron curtains! I like that the pattern looks rough and imperfect - that was part of the goal. Intentionally imperfect looks way better than something that tries to be perfect and fails, don't you think? So let me know what you think - did this project complete the room?

And in case your curious, here's my (much more glamorous!) inspiration:

I just need to upgrade to a fur throw, get rid of my old-fashioned tv (on which I watch Friday Night Lights dvds while I'm getting dressed, thank you very much), get a sparkly light fixture and a lucite chair, and generally add a dose of SPARKLE! I'm glad I still have projects to work on...

(Last image via Anne Coyle Interiors)

Gryphone Stationers + Joel Holland

How cool is this limited edition notebook from Gryphon Stationers?! A collaboration with graphic artist Joel Holland, the journal features his playful illustrations interspersed throughout. Holland is known for his book cover illustrations and particularly his hand-drawn lettering... check out more of his work below and here...

Envelope Lining Project

As I sign off for the weekend, I leave you with a little project in case you are feeling crafty or have some Valentines to get in the mail.

Earlier in the week I shared with you my newly mailed business announcements, which included hand-lined envelopes of my doing. I've had a few people request that I show how it was done, so here goes...

In step 1, I made a template by tracing an outline of my envelope onto stiff black card stock using a pencil.
In Step 2, you want to make sure your template is slightly smaller than the actual envelope so it fits inside. I trimmed about 1/8 inch from the sides and approximately 1/2 inch from the top. You can just eye it, as I did, or use a ruler for a more exact guide.

For Step 3, trace an outline of the template onto the back of the paper you have chosen to use. Here I am using inexpensive gift wrap from Ikea. Be careful to trace lightly using a pencil so as not to damage the paper or have the lines show through.

Carefully cut out the template outline, using a sharp pair of scissors or an exacto knife if you prefer.

Next, carefully slip your freshly cut lining into the envelope. Make sure your pattern is lined up evenly and that the paper is centered as well...

Then glue down the part that covers the flap using a white glue stick. There is no need to glue the lower half as the envelope itself holds the lining in smoothly.

Finally, insert your invitation, letter or announcement, and then off it goes to the mailbox! I admit, this is a project that requires a bit of time, but thankfully you only have to make the template once, and it's definitely easy especially once you get into a groove. Good luck with your own projects, and let me know how you fare!

                                    Day 2: My Craft Space

I love my little office/guest bedroom/craft room.  Since it is so very small, I've tried to come up with interesting ways to store my various supplies. I love glass jars, and think they look so pretty filled with ribbons, glitter and thread. Mine are arranged on the dresser, a place which in addition to holding towels and off-season clothing, serves as an area to corral my craft materials. I think it is inspiring to see these things out in the open, instead of having to dig through storage boxes. Inexpensive mason jars can be found at Michael's or Ikea, but I like to salvage spaghetti sauce and pickle jars by running them through the dishwasher, peeling off the old label, and giving the lid a coat of bright, glossy white paint.

This classic Ikea hold-all is a real workhorse. It keeps my most-often-used craft supplies at close reach, from glue gun to fisherman's line to fabric scraps. More spools of ribbon find a home in a milk glass pedestal dish.

The bright and playful fabric scraps are from my favorite sewing shop in Philadelphia, Spool. I'm using them for an announcement mailing that I have going out soon...

A view from the doorway: I don't sew clothing, but I like having a dress form for displaying my favorite pieces. The sequined shift is by Vera Wang.  And the adorable birdcage coat hook is an Oh Joy! design from Urban Outfitters.

And wrapping and craft papers are stored in this fantastically minimal, glossy-white trash can from The Container Store....

Tonight is spaghetti night, so I'll have more jars to work with soon! Meanwhile, how do store your craft supplies?

Bookshelf Project, Part 2

Voila! My new bookshelf is finished. And I kind of love it...

Bookshelf Project, Part 1

As I mentioned yesterday, Kevin and I picked up a new (to us) bookshelf for the living room. We found it at a fantastic antique/junk shop near Atlantic City called Cobweb Corner. They had some knock-out Hollywood Regency pieces, and for such reasonable prices. But we came home with only the simple bookcase, which was chosen for the narrow shape, interesting details, and bargain price tag. It started out a medium brown-toned wood, which was immediately painted a glossy white. I really like the little arches at the top...

I wanted to do a fun wallpaper lining, but made the choice to take the easier (but no less stylish) route and use gift wrap instead. This pattern is "Madame Butterfly" from Whimsy Press (it's 100% recycled too)...

Luckily the sheets of paper were almost exactly the correct width for my shelves, so there was a minimum of cutting involved.  A quick coating of spray craft adhesive holds everything in place...

And finally, almost complete. I just need to paint the little drawer that goes in at the bottom, and of course, fill it up with stuff...

In Part II, I will show the completed piece!

Green and Blue

I mentioned Sharon Montrose and her beautiful animal portraits a couple weeks ago. Recently I came across a tour of her house here and was immediately smitten. Shades of green and blue are my favorite for the house, and she makes use of these colors liberally. The bathroom, with its glossy tiles and playful wallpaper, and the kitchen, with the delicious carrera marble, are both to die for.

I Heart Fifi

Fifi Lapin is my favorite fashionable bunny. I've always wanted one of her pictures but haven't been lucky enough yet. Maybe when she gets back from vacation I will get myself a little gift. She would be a perfect addition to the wall in my dressing room...

From top: Fifi in Tory Burch, Sonia Rykiel, Moschino, Catherine Malandino and Marni

All images via Fifi Lapin

Sweet Animals

I know they are not new, but I can't get over these lovely handmade animals and objects by Tamar Morgendorf. Just looking at them makes me happy, particularly that darling little greyhound. While pricey, they are like little works of art. Inspiring as well...they make me want to round up all my vintage scraps and start sewing.

FYI, the artist created some delightful little bird cage ornaments this year (the smallest version seen above) and they are oh-so-reasonably priced at $32! They would look lovely on a Christmas tree or even hanging in a window all year long. Available at Petulia's Folly (my fave Philly boutique!)

Images via Tamar Morgendorf

Minko the Bear

Intergalactic animal space travelers, via The Cellophanes on Etsy. A good gift for a boy, don't you think?

Pretty Prints...{Made by Michelle Brusegaard}

A newly designed 2009 calendar plus some other pretty items from Michelle Brusegaard...