Thursday, March 31, 2011

Re-post: Ladder Tablescape

Isn't this fabulous? I love it for several reasons:
  • re-using an older ladder, eco-friendly and maybe even free
  • love the use of photographs
  • the graphic punch of the hits of red in the black/grey/cream colour scheme
  • love the x's and o's 
This table setting is for a wedding reception, I think it's in an art gallery-love!  I can think of so many other events this could apply to-an engagement party, anniversary, milestone birthday.

 source: http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/green-style/green-style-a-ladder-as-a-dining-table-overhead-hanging-141529

Friday, March 18, 2011

Craft Project: Spring Tree

 
Spring is finally on it's way! This is the time of year I start craving colour-I add colourful scarves and ballet flats to my winter basics, switch handbags and gravitate towards bright coloured tees and tanks. It's also the time to add pops of colour to your everyday décor. Last night I decided I would whip up a quick spring craft project using some things I already owned and adding a few inexpensive items from the dollar store and craft store. 

Materials:
  • opaque vase or flower pot
  • florist foam 
  • knife and cutting board
  • a stick (this one is willow)
  • dried moss
  • embellishments of your choice-artificial butterflies, birds, nests, eggs etc. 





First, pick a pot. This one I saved from an edible fruit arrangement, I washed it out well and dried it.  You can use any opaque container.


Cut the block of florists foam to fit inside the pot. It doesn't have to be perfect, you may have to use multiple small pieces and fit them together. Doesn't matter-the moss will cover it. I used a serrated knife-it cuts though the foam like butter. 

 

Shove the stick into the middle of the foam block and make sure it's sturdy. Cover the foam with dried moss. You could also use decorative stones, artificial grass, shredded paper or anything else you can think of. 

Next, wire on your embellishments. The ones I chose came pre-wired. If they do not come already wired, you will need some thin wire. 

I discovered the butterflies were more delicate than I had anticipated. I broke some wiring them on. So in the end, I only used two. One at the top, and one sitting on top of the moss.

The nest was a bit tricky to balance, so I hung it on a lower branch. You could glue it on if it's wobbly. 

 
I love this little bird. So pretty. When picking out the embellishments, I stayed within one colour theme-orange and pink. There are plenty of options out there, in any colour you can think of. Adjust the items according to your décor or taste. 

 
The finished piece! I love the sculptural element of the branch and the whimsy of the little nest and bird. 
I can think of so many other ways to change this piece according to season or theme. Hang little eggs for Easter, add some artificial flowers in the summer, hang miniature fairy lights at Christmas time. Add orange and red leaves for fall, I can go on and on. 

The only problem-my cat wants to eat this! Yes, I had to battle him three times to save the bird. I finally put this way on the top of  the fridge out of his reach. I am going to my Mom's this weekend, so I'll bring it over there. So, if you have toddler or cats this project might not be for you.

Universal Gift Registry

 Image source: Microsoft Clip Art

Personally, I don't really like gift registries. I like the concept of them, but in practice I find them awful to shop from. Traditional stores for registries-ie. department stores tend to be pricey. Often, I can find the exact same product at a better price at a store like Winners or Home Sense but then I struggle with the dilemma of buying it and risking a duplicate-since the other store can't update the registry or suck it up and pay full price. For myself, I didn't want one, but we had sooo many questions that we caved a selected a few things from Home Outfitters for our wedding Registry.  I picked very practical things I would have bought myself anyway, such as towels and sheets.

What about things you won't find in stores such as coupons for dog walking, baby sitting, pedicures, car washes, etc. 

This year at Christmas, my sister-in-law created a google document spreadsheet for her children's wish list. Great idea, but really time consuming and there are no helpful photos, prices or links to stores. 

I just found the answer! Universal gift registry. I did some research and found these sites, I hope you find them helpful.

For anything:
http://www.mygiftlist.com/

For baby:
http://babyli.st/index
http://www.onebabyregistry.com/

Honeymoons:
http://www.honeymoonwishes.com/

http://www.honeyfund.com/

For family (birthdays, Christmas, etc)

http://www.giftpickle.com/


Happy shopping!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Sláinte! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all my Irish and Irish-Only-For-Today Friends. 

Image source: Microsoft Office Clipart


Friday, March 11, 2011

Spring Tablescape Idea

I was flipping through Chatelaine magazine at lunch time today and came across this cute spring table scape/craft idea. I love it for a few reasons: it's easily made from items you already have, can find or purchase cheaply; and my cat can't play with it since it's under glass. The article identities Dollarama as the source for the vase. One of my favourite stores for supplies! I would use gold or blue foil chocolate eggs in the nest.Other suggestions from the article are butterflies, seashells and driftwood or other items. It's very versatile-change it up with the seasons.

source: http://www.chatelaine.com/en/article/25368--make-a-decorative-diorama-for-a-shelf-or-mantel

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

New Page: Testimonials

Check out the testimonials page for some much appreciated kudos from recent clients.

Find it here.

Sweet Pea Has Arrived!

Baby Sweet Pea was born on Sunday March 6th weighing in at 5 pounds, 8 ounces.

No, he's not mine. See the details of his shower here.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Re-post: Rainbow Button Art

St. Patrick's Day is coming up soon, and if you are looking for something that is not bright green or cheesey, check out this button rainbow. The creator used photoshop to design the image but if you happen to have tons of buttons on hand-give it a try. I happen to have a drawerful, I'll have a look to see if this is something I could do without buying additional items. I think this artwork is transferable, it's not just for St. Paddy's day. I have some white felt for the cloud and a black frame. Hmmmm...better get my glue gun out!





Original Post:
http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/inspiration/celebrate-st-patricks-day-with-rainbows-funky-polkadot-giraffe-140294