Macho Purse

Odette New York

2011-12-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

Today I am featuring the very talented jewelry designer, Jennifer Sarkilahti, of Odette New York. Founded in 2006, Odette jewelry is designed and crafted by hand in her Brooklyn studio. I knew Jennifer from George Mason University, where I worked in the School of Art as she was completing her MFA in Painting.
Her abstract paintings were very well received by students and faculty, and now her jewelry line is making the rounds. Her large swallow necklace was even worn by Taylor Swift! Nice work, Jenny!

Arrow Earrings

Large Swallow Necklace

Photo by Jennifer Causey for The Makers Project

Handmade

2011-11-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

We recently moved from our home in Virginia to Cincinnati. I am in love with this town, even though it was a difficult transition after living in Virgina for close to ten years. Cincinnati is full of vintage shops and artisans. I just attended the Crafty Supermarket, which was up the street from our place. I wanted to buy everything I saw, but since I'm still unemployed, I had to restrain myself. I feel I have a renewed appreciation for handmade items. The first three here are not from the Crafty Supermarket, but I still love them!

Leigh Viner vintage restored photography print

Caroline Wright's Migration No. 14

Joya's Handmade with Joy leaf necklace

1337motif's cutting board

Sarah Hyland's Ohio

Local Repurposed Glass

IKEA Docksta

2011-10-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about the Docksta table for months and went online today to check it out again and see how it might look with some Craigslist chairs I've also been eyeing. Alas, no Docksta!!!! Does anyone have any idea if they are discontinuing this table? I haven't been into IKEA yet, but probably should very soon! It's such a great table and pairing it with some cane chairs is just what I had in mind...

New Persian Rug

2011-08-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

I found this great handmade persian rug on Ebay for only $50! It's about 2.5x4.5 so it's not huge but it's a great size for our small office. Right now I'm debating on the colors. The red is fun and adds a little something to the mostly neutral room but it's red. And ever since I painted a wall red in one of my first apartments, I've stayed away from the color. So is it really true what designers say--that every room needs a punch of red?

One Strange Day

2011-08-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today the Virginia and D.C. area experienced the largest earthquake since 1944 (measuring 5.9). People as far as New York and Ohio felt it! The last time I recall an earthquake was when I was a young girl in the mid-80's in Indiana. I don't really remember much except for the dishes rattling and shifting inside the china cabinet.

After evacuating the art building where I work at George Mason University, we all stood around wondering what to do next. It was a small earthquake, comparatively, but still it shook everyone up. Then I began to worry about my apartment and if anything was damaged or broken. My co-workers said, "well if it's broken, then it's broken." And I was thinking, yeah, you're right, but inside I felt like, oh that's "my stuff, my stuff." Terrible, I know. What if it had been worse? When I came home to apartment, this is what I found:

Nothing broken, nothing severely damaged, all was fine. And we were all safe, which is honestly, all that really matters.

Tablecloths

2011-07-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

Shopping online is ~~dangerous~~ so much fun! Yeah I just did that really trendy, hilarious crossing out a word thing. Oh well.

My dining table has a ton of scratches and just general wear. I guess that's what you get when you buy a table from Target. The finish is so strange--you wipe your hand across it and a white smudge appears. You set something down on it for one second and it instantly leaves a mark. I'm tired of looking at it and worrying about making it worse.

That's why I'm thinking of buying this lovely tablecloth. Isn't it sweet?

Except that my table is only like 48"L x 30" W and this one is 70" x 108". Too big? I don't mind it being tabletop to floor but will it pool too much? I cannot do this whole find the right size tablecloth for your table. That's what wedding caterers are for!

I am not usually a fan of tablecloths or a lot of pattern, but I'm trying to embrace it. Besides, I have a lime green couch and this would go perfectly since the floor plan is open.

Did I just talk myself into buying this? I think so.

New Bedding

2011-07-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about new bedding for awhile and came across this beautiful duvet from Pottery Barn which is on sale for $40!

I am wondering if anyone has bought bedding from PB and if you like it. We currently have a simple white coverlet and comforter but I wanted something with a little pop while still keeping it mostly neutral. I think the yellow border is lovely. It would be even lovelier paired with this West Elm pillow (the PB shams to match are on backorder until January 2012).

I also recently ordered this print which will go in the bedroom along with a few other botanical prints with mostly green leaves. The gray ikat pillows are currently on the bed. Any thoughts?

How Sweet is Too Sweet?: Feminine Details in Interiors

2011-05-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Every interior can benefit from a small dose of femininity. However, introducing feminine details into a space can prove to be challenging. I have heard from many fellow designers and bloggers who say they easily tire of anything too pretty.

By juxtaposing a softer element such as a floral sofa pillow or a pale blue cashmere throw with a weathered, farmwood coffee table or a clean-lined glass top coffee table, you can create a more dynamic and visually interesting space. This mix applies to your choices of color, textiles, furnishings, hardware, and accessories. Don't be afraid to play around with opposing combinations--a Louis XVI chair covered in pale, metallic pink paired with a mahogany library table, for example. Finding the right balance between masculine and feminine details is the key. Here are some spaces that are successfully feminine and not frilly:

Pale pink walls paired with a sleek, white Parsons desk (via Alamode).

Floral wallpaper with a streamlined white cabinet (via Canadian House and Home).

Billowy dress in artwork above a simple console table (Courtney Bishop's home via Design Sponge).

Pink chaise with traditional gold accents (via Elle Decor).

Pink walls and zig zag rug with sheepskin throw and Thonet chair (Making It Lovely).

Louis XVI chair paired with a modern, white gourd lamp (Style at Home).

Skirted ottoman with traditional George Smith sofa (Windsor Smith via House Beautiful).

Antique Secretary with slipcovered chairs (Traditional Home).

Neutrals and Mixing Metals

2011-05-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

When I was young, my mother and I would page through issues of Architectural Digest or whichever shelter magazine she had lying around. As a collector of antiques, she always commented on how plain and boring and sparse the neutral rooms were to her, while I studied and admired these spaces. Even today, I prefer a room with neutral furnishings and pops of color in pillows, artwork, and other accessories. This allows for the instances of color to really stand out. It's very important to vary your shades of neutral. All beige will not keep the eye moving around the room. Layer in creams, whites, and taupes with beige.

Also, mixing in various metals, whether it be silver, gold, or bronze, livens the space through their reflective qualities. Personally, I prefer to combine various metals to keep the room from feeling too flat. Here are some examples of spaces that capture this look:

Pops of emerald green with black (via Better Homes and Gardens).

Varying shades of turquoise in a kitchen (via Better Homes and Gardens).

Colorful gourd lamp with mixed metal frames on the gallery wall (Carrier and Company).

Using greenery to play up neutrals (Home of Emerson Made).

Layering white with beige and taupe (House and Home).

Softer shades of pink, blue, and yellow create their own neutral palette (Lonny Mag).

Layering in shades of gray with pink flowers and throw pillows (Lonny Mag).

Mixing metals (via Young House Love).

Sunflowers pop in white room (Lonny Mag).

Earthy artwork and throw with neutral furnishings (via House Beautiful).

Old Lucketts Store Spring Market

2011-04-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Old Lucketts Store in Leesburg is a fabulous place for vintage furniture, homegoods, garden furniture and accessories, and a whole lot more! I have been going to this store since I discovered it several years ago. It's a bit of a drive for me, but well worth it. The Spring Market is coming up May 21-22. Gates open at 10am and close at 5pm. Admission is $7 per person. Visit their site for more details: http://luckettstore.com/events/50-spring-market.

Bookshelves: To Style or Not to Style?

2011-04-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

I am quite certain this question has a long-standing and controversial history in the design world. I am honestly a bit tired of seeing all the styling of bookshelves in every blog, magazine, and journal I come across. This is not to say I do not enjoy a well-styled bookshelf, but it's just maddening for someone like me who is a writer and married to a writer. We have nine bookshelves and they are all filed with books! Books are stacked horizontally and others are vertical. We cram them in there!

Apartment Therapy did an amazing round up of floor to ceiling bookshelves. What I love about these images are the abundance of books! Sure I supposed they are still "styled" but they feel organic and they are not loaded down with nic-nacs and trinkets.

What do you all think? Do you prefer a wall of books or a more edited shelf mixed with objects and books?

Waverly Fabric Giveaway from Bryn Alexandra

2011-04-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Please be sure to stop over at Bryn Alexandra's blog to enter her giveaway for some great Waverly Fabrics, a Home Goods candle, and some fabulous botanical prints. Just look at all the fabulous prizes...

Bryn's blog is full of great DIY and her own home makeovers, which I personally love and is the reason I read blogs. I love her style, which is a little traditional and a little modern, and I appreciate how she brings in feminine touches while maintaining a kind of masculine edge, if that makes any sense. Meaning, it's not overly-girly. She also manages a shop in Charlotte, NC called Found. You can check it out here.

Go and enter!

The Coveted Campaign

2011-03-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

I scored, big time! I got this lovely Campaign chest for $50. A little more than I wanted to pay, but it's worth it. Pretty funny story: when I called the woman's husband answered, and when I explained I was calling about the ad I saw on Craiglist, he called me sir. ha ha. Also key element of the story--do not wait for the seller to email you back. If there's a number, call it! I have missed out on so many good finds by waiting...

Anyways, back to the chest. It could stand to be refinished, but for now it's hanging out as my little bar area in the dining room, alongside my other Craigslist score awhile back (the mercury glass lamps).

I'm not sure it's in the right spot, though. It's not a huge piece, but it does compete with all the other dark wood of the dining table and chairs and the tall bookcase (see third image).

Should it go here instead on its own wall?

I think it's a nice piece as is. There are definitely a few scratches, and I need to add the brass hardware to the right side (3rd drawer down), but overall it's in pretty decent shape. The top will be covered up anyways. What do you think, keep it au naturel or paint it white or a fun color? I already have a lime green couch and yellow curtains, so I don't want to go too bold!

Coffee Table Dilemma

2011-02-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

I just bought this great table off Craigslist for cheap! It's solid wood and the iron base weighs a ton! I seriously couldn't even carry it, let alone lift it, and I do pride myself on being able to move some furniture around a room, whenever the mood strikes! But this puppy isn't moving. I really like the textured top and the airy base even though it's black, but I'm having trouble with the beige rug, table, and sofa. And since my dream sofa isn't coming anytime soon, I gotta work with what I've got. Any suggestions? Sometimes I like the beige on beige, and then the very next second, I think bleh!

Should I get a cowhide, which I love, and throw that baby down over top of the beige, you know, layer it up? I have a lot of other colors in the room, including a lime green sofa and buttery yellow curtains, so I don't want to go too crazy with a rug. Man, decorating is a disease...

The Enviable Sofa

2011-02-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Everytime I come across a great living room, this sofa is always in it. Bam! Where are these folks getting it? And can I get one for a whole lot less than I'm sure their sofas are worth?! The first image isn't quite it exactly, but the second and third images show the rolled arms, the turned legs on casters. Actually the ottoman in the first image is pretty awesome, too!


via Bryn Alexandra

via Pure Style Home

via Elements of Style

Snow Days and Good Find

2011-01-30T16:26:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday, the D.C. and surrounding areas got hit with a snowstorm of around 6 inches! Now, that's not a ton of snow, but the lack of preparation (you know, salt on the roads, plows out, duh!) plus massive power outages all over the city made this snowstorm not so fun! We were without power for a total of around 17 hours; 12 hours straight, then another 5 hours or so later. I was ready to get out and do some thrifting! Or just ready to be warm. Our thermostat read 57 the morning after the power went out.

Here are some images from the storm. It was very pretty, minus the fallen branches and the lightning! Yes lightning in a snowstorm. It was pretty but very creepy. The sky lit up neon blue.

I finally ventured out on Saturday to Kruger's Antiques in Annandale. It's a huge barn filled with antiques, but it was all open and not heated. I'll have to go back when it's a little warmer. I found this great pitcher. It's from West Germany, so it says on the bottom... I really like the subtle ikat print and the yellow and gray. I can't get enough of the ikat print. Seriously, it's sick!

Etsy Artist: William Anthony

2011-01-11T11:57:00.001-08:00

I came across the most beautiful side tables I have ever seen. Simple, elegant, mixing wood with metal. I'm in heaven. Etsy generally has so much amazing stuff, but because it's such a vast site, it's hard to really find anything. I don't even remember what key words brought me to his site: side table and brass, I think.

The artist, William Anthony, is out of the UK. You can visit his website here or view his Etsy site here. There's not a whole lot of information on him, but here is his design ethos: "I draw on the character of the raw material influenced by the idea of wabi-sabi and Dieter Rams' ten principles... Sustainability is crucial to my thinking and the wood used is that which would otherwise be burnt or chipped. All wood is sourced from within the British Isles and is from trees that are windblown, diseased or felled for safety reasons."

I am partial to the tables with elm and brass (1st and 3rd image) but they are all amazing.

What are your recent Etsy finds?

Wish List 2

2010-12-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

I changed my mind. I want this necklace instead of the locket. Except I love them both...

ha ha! This post is purely selfish.

Gold Wishbone Necklace

Wish List

2010-12-06T08:49:00.001-08:00

Because I am not too smart with this Blogger thingy, I cannot figure out a way to add a Wish List without just making a post. So here goes. If you are not my husband or family, you can ignore this.

The Sak Bag (I just bought a brown leather one in a different style, and it's amazing!)

Origami Locket

Nate Berkus, Home Rules

Darryl Carter, The New Traditional

And this Eucalyptus hand soap (because I can never find it anywhere in stores). Weird wish item, I know.

Actually this whole wish list is kind of scattered, but I really don't need anything, so I just thought of items I'd like!

Where Have I Been?

2010-11-12T08:51:00.001-08:00

Well for starters, getting married! The wedding was just over a month ago and since then we have been traveling quite a bit.

The day of our wedding turned out to be gorgeous! 70+degrees, sunny, and perfect. We couldn't have asked for a better wedding day and weekend. Everything was exactly what I hoped for: relaxed, fun, and beautiful. The decorations turned out great! I especially loved my handmade chalkboard menu and the last minute burlap runners I found on Craigslist. The turquoise balls jars, the pink roses, the wedding tree, all of it, was exactly us. I am glad I put effort into these details because it really did make the wedding special.

I hope to start blogging "regularly" again. All of that DIY wedding stuff has made me want to help other brides! So if you have any questions or ideas, feel free to contact me.

Flea Market Finds

2010-09-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

The D.C. Flea Market was a blast! Meeting Eddie and Jaithan and walking around with them made the flea less intimidating! It's big, let me tell you. And every time I go to one of these, I want to buy something and feel this pressure to get the most unique piece I can find. Eddie's tour was so helpful and made me look at things I would have never looked at it. Instead of just going right for furniture, which I usually do, I scoped out glassware, barware, and smaller, more unique items.

This is what I came away with:

A pair of French opaline glasses (in my favorite robin's egg/turquoise blue)

This great oil/vinegar cruet with a greek key pattern (Eddie wanted to steal this!)

Overall, it was well worth the money to tour the flea with Eddie! I'll definitely be back next year and hopefully meet more fellow bloggers.

DC Flea Market

2010-09-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow afternoon, I am heading to the DC Flea Market (actually in Chantilly, VA) and I am meeting Eddie Ross! I cannot wait! There are still spots left I think. Check it out here!

And if you haven't seen his new home with partner Jaithan Kochar, you can view it here in the first issue of Lonny.

Been a Long Time Since I Rock 'n' Rolled

2010-09-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

I realized I haven't posted since the end of June. That's a long time... I guess summer adventures and wedding planning kind of take over! We had a great week in Narragansett, RI where Brian's parents built a beach house! Thank goodness for my in-laws :) Now we have a new place to vacation every summer.

There was a bridal shower and our mothers met for the first time. My sister was there, as well. It was all very fun yet overwhelming. The wedding will be here in less than a month, and we'll be so happy to stop planning and enjoy our time together with no worries!

Hope you all enjoyed the summer. I am glad fall is almost here. It's my favorite. Just like smiling--smiling's my favorite. I need a vacation again...

Apartment Therapy

2010-06-22T08:23:00.001-07:00

I was featured on Apartment Therapy as part of their Great Outdoors series. I am beyond thrilled! Here is the post...

Thanks to AT! I read them everyday.

Whole City of Toothpicks

2010-06-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

I saw this today on Apartment Therapy and thought it was so good, I had to post it again. This guy amazes me. Check out the video on youtube.

He built the city of San Francisco over a 30 year period with toothpicks! It's 7 feet wide and 9 feet tall.

More Chairs and Flowers

2010-06-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

Holy cow! It's been three months since I've posted. I guess that's what wedding planning will do.

Anyways, now that I've essentially missed spring (on this blog), let's jump ahead to summer! Every summer, I plant flowers in pots on my porch. I guess it's my way of convincing myself I have a garden...

I found these two cool chairs in someone's trash on the way to work one day. They have great lines, and the cut outs are awesome. I wanted to use them inside, but really didn't have room.

Here is what they looked like before. Not bad, but the fabric was all dirty and the wood is kind of ugly:

And here they are after:

Project Breakdown:

Chairs--FREE!
$8 white paint
Ikat fabric (already had)

So the total of $8 for two new chairs that can be used outdoors/indoors = SWEET!

And here the chairs are with my newly potted flowers. Oh yes I also spray painted some of those pots silver.

Please ignore that ugly fence in the last shot. There's nothing I can do about it since I rent...

Mother and Daughter Team Up!

2010-03-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

I came across this mother/daughter team in Traditional Home while I was waiting at the dentist's office. Not a day or two later, I've seen this cute apartment circulating all over the blog world! And why? Because it's so fantastic. Simple and serene, yet playful and a bit feminine. I want to get rid of everything I own and start over. That's what good design does, right?!

Mother and daughter, Suzanne and Lauren, have a great blog called goodbonesgreatpieces.com/blog.

Here is Lauren's sweet apartment:

Don't you love that lucite bench with the antique desk, the yellow gourd lamp, and the ticking loveseat? Oh my! Such great stuff here!

Calico Fabrics!

2010-02-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

Well, I ventured out of the house finally! We had 2 and a half feet of snow over the weekend, and needless to say, I needed my shopping fix! ha ha! So I went to Calico Fabrics.

I love their fabrics, but the saleswomen are incredibly snooty. They don't even say hello until you've been wondering around the store for 10 minutes. I was eyeing this beautiful ikat fabric when the woman asked if I needed help. I told her I had a lime green sofa and throw pillows in this aqua color and exact pattern (see below). She tried referring me to some other fabrics with lime green and aqua, and I didn't like them at all. I said, "I love this ikat fabric so much I want to make it work," and she said, "well it's not working." Just like that. What the hell does she know about my taste? I was so annoyed. So you can't mix patterns now? Ugh! Why would I want matchy matchy? Oh well.

Here are the swatches. Maybe they don't work, but I love them! And they're just throw pillows for crying out loud! Plus the shapes are similar...

And here's the lime green couch:

Is it too busy? I don't think so.

Dream Room

2010-02-08T08:44:00.000-08:00

How do I make my living room like this?

When it looks like this?

I want a lighter, airy feeling to this room. I'm not sure how to achieve it with the green sofa and yellow curtains. The curtains could easily change, but the sofa is harder to replace. Any suggestions? I have great light in my apartment, so that's not the problem. I also have a lot of dark wood furniture. Perhaps replace the coffee table? Ugh! I want all new furniture.

Kristan Cunningham's Rental

2010-02-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across Kristan's home on the LA times awhile back, and then was thinking of it the other day. I always liked her on Design on a Dime! So I did a search and found it again, with more images this time. I am so in love with this place. I will let the images speak for themselves. But what I really want is those silk grey curtains and wingback chairs. I die... Seriously where I can find those curtains.

Chair Makeovers

2010-02-02T11:44:00.000-08:00

I like chairs, alot! See my other post on another chair makeover. My mom sort of collects chairs, too, and now I'm following her obsession.

I made over two chairs this past week. It was nice and sunny, so I set up on my porch and went to town. Luckily I was painting both glossy black, so it was much easier.

Here is chair number one before:

I acquired this chair at work for free. I work in an art department, and this was leftover in the photography studio. The little cushion was when I was into that burgundy color, which now, I hate! What was I thinking?

Here is chair number one after two coats of glossy black paint, an IKEA sheepskin and a pleated pillow (both I already owned):

Here is chair number two before. I lie, I forgot to take a picture because I was so excited to paint it and recover it. I bought this little chair for $7 at my local thrift store, Yesterday's Rose. It had a black vinyl seat cover and a kind of bland brown wooden frame.

Here is chair number two after two coats of glossy black paint and Sophia fabric from IKEA:

And here's the full vignette with art on the walls:

I am so in love with this striped fabric. It's dramatic, a little carnival-esque. I also like how the striped fabric mimics the lines of the chair. Oh happy day!

So here is the cost breakdown:

$0 for chair number one (picked up at work)
$7 for chair number two
$8 for paint for both chairs
$4 for Sophia fabric

Oh yes $19. Now that's what I'm talking about.

Everybody's Doing It...

2010-01-31T08:10:00.000-08:00

Black walls, that is. At first, I thought, oh no, what a disaster! I can't imagine how many coats of paint it would take to fully saturate the walls and not appear streaky, and well, awful.

They also remind me of my old bedroom in high school. When we moved into the house, the room had patterned black wallpaper and one wall of gold mirrors. I guess the previous owner was ahead of the design game because now black, wallpaper, and accents of gold are all the rage. And I'm actually liking this trend. Waah! Oh thankfully my mom took down all the wallpaper and mirrors for me. What a nice mom!

The other day I was painting some chairs glossy black, and I had about a half of a can left. I was this close to painting a small wall in the hallway black, but I didn't have any painters tape or rollers, just one little two-inch brush, so that spur of the moment idea was put on hold. Plus I live in an apartment, so I'd have to paint it back white.

Anyways, here are some black bedrooms. I think they are lovely, very cozy, and the black walls make everything recede into space, or depending on your accent colors, they make everything pop! Three and four are my favorites!

Images via Apartment Therapy:

Chesterfields

2010-01-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've posted. I've been searching for the perfect Chesterfield sofa all this time (actually, planning my wedding is more like it!)

I have recently fallen in love with the Chesterfield sofa. It's overstuffed, yet still sleek because of the lack of back cushions. I love the tufted back and rolled arms. It's elegant and classic yet playful and vintage. I appreciate those contrasting qualities in just about every aspect of decorating.

Here are some beauties:

Craigslist here I come. Please please have one in ivory with nailhead trim.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

I'm heading to Massachusetts with my fiance to be with his family. Should be fun! Merry Christmas everyone!

Here's a shot of our tree:

And our little snowman:

Bedroom Inspiration

2009-12-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

My bedroom keeps changing...Hmmm, imagine that! I'm still just not happy with it.

I bought new curtains from JCPenny, and they're velvet in a rich caramel color. Cindy Crawford (or her team) is good! Oh and they really block out the bright morning sun our bedroom gets.

I also bought some new lamps, which I love, from Pier 1.

They're very similar to this in size and shape, but they have a cream drum shade, and the base is glass stacked bulbs. They're not on their website for some reason... They were only $30 each, and they're the perfect height for reaching over and turning off the light while in bed. Success.

But I'm still not satisfied. Hmph!

I think it's the pink/peachish wing back chair I have and the dark wood night stands. Too dark! I'm going for a light and airy bedroom. So then I came across this gem!

Woah! This is a $40 Ikea Rast dresser madeover! I paid more than that for my nighstands. So this is a must! Plus there's storage, so no more plastic crates for my socks and whatnots. Sorry, Brian, another project...

I want to skip work for a week and do nothing but projects. It's a sickness.

Let There Be Light?

2009-11-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

I do not have this kitchen:

Or this one:

I have a galley kitchen in an apartment. Enough said. We have an overhead light which is decent, but we like to keep a little light on instead of having to flip the switch each time. Plus at night, the kitchen just looks dark and sad. I had a cute little lamp with a red shade that gave just the right glow, but it burnt out and the shade tore.

Any suggestions? What do you do for light in your kitchen?

Jewelry Display

2009-11-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

I used to keep my necklaces in the bathroom! Bad idea. Hot showers and little ventilation is no good!

I wanted everything in one place, so I bought this cute little jewelry box at TJ Maxx for $20, sorted through my jewelry and got rid of a lot! Then, what to do with the necklaces? I had seen on several blogs people displaying their necklaces in all sorts of ways, and this is what I came up with. A few vases and some pretty chains dangling down. Plus I put out a vase of buttons 'cause I like buttons. I know, it's a sickness. I used to dump my mom's jar of buttons out on the floor and pour over them for hours.

Too many books = no room for dresser, so I had to clear the top row of books on my shelves to make room. But I kept a cute little stack of orange books and popped a bird on top. Instant happiness. Now I have my own little dresser/vanity top, which I've always wanted.

Before and After Office Chairs

2009-10-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

I was debating for awhile about recovering and painting these office chairs I picked up at the thrift store for $15 each! Here they are before with a yellow dingy floral fabric:

I decided to go ahead and recover them and see how that changed the look instead of painting them. I'm super bad with spray paint and paint--I'm impatient and it always comes out streaky or spotty. So just recovering them made all the difference. I got a yard of this fabric for $11 from Calico Fabrics. I like the subtle pattern and the gray color. Here they are after:

Much better! Old but new with a pop of pattern. I am finally starting to love patterns. Ridiculous I know. Even my wardrobe could use a little of this kind of makeover.

Starburst?

2009-10-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

No, not the sweet chewy candy, the mirror, which is all the rage, right? Well now I'm on the bandwagon, and I want one over my bed. Like majorly.

I've looked high and low on the internet, but they're all so expensive, and I'm constantly changing my decor. So I found this on Ebay from West Elm, no longer sold in the store.

Can anyone tell me if it's nice? I want gold, and I want it to be classic looking, not too flashy. Or if anyone else has suggestions, I'm open to them.

Luckett's

2009-10-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

It's always your lucky day at Lucketts store! Sorry for the cheese, but it's true. I drive almost 45 minutes to Lucketts, VA to go to this vintage hip store. They have great stuff! When I was there on a Thursday they were delivering and carrying in all kinds of goodies. It's 3 levels, and there are lots of individual rooms with various decor. Some rooms are packed full (especially upstairs on the top floor where they have vintage clothing). And then other rooms are sparse. Take this room for instance. I gasped when I walked in. A bed frame in the middle of the room.

And then the ceiling decorated with this thick fabric.

Swoon. Actually I think I noticed the ceiling first. Stunning and such an easy idea.

Then there were other rooms full of great finds: horns, antlers, old glass bottles and such. My pictures do not do this place justice (crappy camera phone).

Seriously, if you live around Northern Virginia, it's totally worth the drive. I ended up buying a nice satin pillow, an iron upright organizer for papers with a cute bird on top, a few old glass green bottles, and two votive holders with a crackle gold finish. Beautiful when lit.

Wedding Ideas

2009-10-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

I've come across some amazing blogs. Some solely dedicated to brides, others decor and style. And they are incredible. Some of the most inspiring DIY ideas, images, etc. I say this because Brian and I are on an incredibly limited budget, so these ideas have really helped me to think outside of the traditional wedding box... And they're cheaper, handmade, and unique.

So here are a few:

From August and Everything After--Photos in Mason Jars

I love how easy and vintage looking this is! All you need is old mason jars, a bunch of 4 x 6 photos, vegetable oil, and dried flowers (optional). And by the way, check out her blog. You will totally die over the images from her wedding.

From Peacock Feathers--Seating chart idea

I love this idea, and will hopefully steal it, if I find the windows. It's so easy, plus you aren't using a bunch of paper that you will eventually throw away. It's the same with invitations--I know when I get wedding invitations in the mail, I think oh so pretty, but do I keep them? No! Maybe for a little while, but eventually they go in the trash and that makes me feel bad. But it's true. So I'm hoping to cut down on paper costs, too, maybe using some sort of postcard as the invitation, and RSVP to our wedding blog (yet to be created) or by phone. There's something nice about getting a phone call saying "yes we're coming!" Is that a total faux pas?

So there you go. Two great ideas. I also like the idea of having a neat birdcage and guests write on small cards and drop them in the birdcage (sans bird, of course). The list goes on and on...

Pretty Pretty

2009-09-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Grace over at Design Sponge posted images yesterday from Michael Penney's house from Canadian House and Home. I quickly discovered that Penney has a blog at CH&H. I love his style and his thrifting tips! I'm so in love with these images that I had to post them, too!

Turquoise is hands-down my favorite color. Or is it aqua? Both! I think his rooms are more aqua, or robin's egg blue. I am smitten. Terribly. Seriously.

Please stop being so beautiful...

Paint Paint Paint!

2009-09-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

Where to start? I've lived in the same apartment for 4 years. Just the other day, my fiance says "why don't we paint, we've lived here 4 years." Or something along those lines. In my past apartments, I've painted one accent wall in the living room. Now I'm thinking, why not paint the whole living room/dining room combo (one open space)?

But what color? I want something soft and fairly easy to paint back over. I have neutral colors in my rooms (mostly dark wood, tan couch, etc.). But I do have buttery gold curtains, and a lime green couch with pops of turquoise around and a little cranberry. So I'm thinking a nice tan/beige but something that still stands out.

Here are some pictures of my living/dining area. Please help!

Things that make you go hmmm....

2009-09-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, I love me some Apartment Therapy, like every day I check it love it.

But this posting is just ridiculous! I mean seriously, you can still tell it's a dishwasher...

And I also love me some zebra print, but come on. I think I want a decal of a toilet seat just to mix it up.

Appliance art, my ass. I guess I'm in a bad mood.

Wedding Inspiration

2009-09-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Style Me Pretty rocks! It's the best site for wedding ideas and has some of the most amazingly gorgeous images.

Here is one wedding by Alders Photography. I love all the vintage, handmade touches. I especially love the colors of pink and light blue.

*Click the image for a larger view.

I will totally DIY that wishes tree! I love it.

And The Winner Is....

2009-08-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Me! I got engaged in Cape Cod. One of my favorite places and to my favorite love. ha ha!

It was amazing, and everyone is now asking when's the date, will you change your name, what, where, when... It's overwhelming and part of me just wants to get married here (Kevin Dillon did!):

Lots to think about now. Any suggestions are welcome. I'm so excited!

Vacation...

2009-07-30T13:59:00.001-07:00

I'm headed out this weekend and next week to Cape Cod with my boyfriend and his family. We've been the past five years, and I just love it! So I'll be away from the blog for a little while. Here are a few pics from our last trip there.

I love how the date stamp is on the pictures... Ah well. Happy weekend!

Stool Makeover

2009-07-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to makeover my entryway. I live in an apartment, so when you walk in you're instantly in the living area.

So I bought this cute little stool. Here are the before pictures (I forgot to photograph the legs, which were shabby chic white.) I thought of keeping them, but the fabric I was using was more modern and clean, so I figured painting the legs and frame glossy black would look better.

Before:

I spray painted the legs and frame black, then draped the new fabric over the edges. I was originally going to use nailhead trim, but was too lazy and used a staple gun instead. Ha! That nailhead trim shit is hard. You really can't see the staples, and I plan to put a ribbon around the edge to cover them. Quick solution!

After:

Entrway Before: (Boring!)

Entrway After: (Better! sans plant + rolled blanket)

Been A Long Time...

2009-07-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been over a week since I posted last. I was out of town for a long weekend visiting family in Pittsburgh. Here's my lovely niece, Lynlee. She's 14 months and such a doll. She is the happiest little girl--she wakes up smiling literally.

Also I've been working on a cute little stool makeover... Pics coming soon!

Have a happy weekend!

Ikat Ottoman

2009-07-14T17:45:00.001-07:00

Can I have this, pretty please? I think it's no longer sold at West Elm. Anyone know where I can find this?

Mercury Glass Lamps

2009-07-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

I found this pair of mercury glass lamps on Craigslist for $40! They're 60's originals! I was so excited and emailed the person--alas, someone was coming to pick them up! I was so upset, but then a few days later, the woman emailed to say they didn't show. I was there in a flash.

I bought the two black shades at Kmart. They're a little beat up in places but they were on sale, so oh well! They look great with the lamps. I love how reflective they are. Sometimes when we eat breakfast, I stare at them and am happy. Sad, I know.

Of course, I had to rearrange in order to make them work (as Timm Gunn would say!) I wanted a kind of buffet/sideboard/bar area in the dining room, so I used an existing console table and voila! I love when things work out.

And yes, that is a branch I scavenged from outside and spray painted pink. When I think how insane I can be about decorating, it makes me laugh. My boyfriend said, "there are no pink branches." Little does he know...

Bathroom Dilemma

2009-07-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

I bought this zebra shower curtain on Ebay from West Elm. I really like it, but the problem is it's a bit too long. It pools at the bottom and touches the floor. Now normally this wouldn't bother me with say, curtains. But it's the bathroom and the floor might get a little wet.

Should I hem it by hand (I don't have a sewing machine) or should I be real cheap and use my iron on hem tape? And if I use the hem tape, will it hold up when I wash the shower curtain?

Also, does anyone have any artwork suggestions? I never know what kind of art to put in a bathroom. This is our only bathroom, so I want it clean and simple. Plus the only wall is across from the shower and when you open the door, it blocks half the wall. Right now I just have a mirror there, but can change this.

Michael Jackson

2009-06-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know this is all over the news, and people are sick of it, and then a lot of other people are very sad. For me, Michael Jackson represented my early childhood. I can remember taking my jam box to the horse shed (where we stored hay and feed for our horse) and practicing my MJ dance moves by myself. I lived way out in the country and there weren't many kids around. So I guess I had to have a greater imagination, and I loved playing by myself. Anyways, I digress.

For my 6th birthday, I asked my mom for a Michael Jackson cake. And like a great mom, she obliged.

Here's to Michael. You will be deeply missed by so many of us.

Office Overhaul

2009-06-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so awhile ago I posted on wanting to redo my office. My boyfriend and I are both writers, so it's only fitting we have a decent office with desk space. Unfortunately, I don't have any before shots of the old furniture. Basically we had a bright orange desk, a dark wood desk, and two mismatched chairs.

I found these new desks at World Market on sale for $109. So for $220 bucks or so we got two new desks. But I sold our old ones and got $100 total, so basically I got the new ones for $100. That's how I rationalize things...

The two chairs were $18 each at a thrift store. I thought about recovering the fabric and painting the chairs white, but I just don't know yet. I may just leave it this way for awhile until I have some grand idea about how to redo them.

So for $140 or so, oh plus curtains that were $25, we got a new office.

Here are some pics:

Telephone Talkin'

2009-06-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have always had a thing for telephone tables/benches. I think it's because my mom had one (still does) and I remember sitting in it and flipping through the phone book pretending to be a grown up. Imagine that, a phone book. Now, no one sits while they're on the phone. Everyone is too busy to actually sit down and enjoy a good 'ol phone conversation. So this is my salute to some great telephone benches.

*The last three images courtesy of Design Sponge.

Oh, and when I googled "telephone talking" I came up with this video from the Guys Next Door, 80's boy band. I met them once at a Karma store. ha ha! The video link isn't working, but you can google it yourself. It's on you tube. I digress...

Repurposed Metal Rolling Cart

2009-06-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

That title was a mouth full... Anyhoo, as I've mentioned before, I work in the art department at George Mason University. We are currently gearing up to move into a brand spankin' new building. Woohoo! I'll have a window. So faculty are tossing things left and right, and this cute little rolling cart caught my eye. It was very dirty before with paint splotches and perfect circles where paint cans sat.

Here's the before:

And here's the after:

And a closer look:

Isn't it great!? Well I love it. This way I can roll my plants in and out of the sun as needed. And the total cost of this project? 8 Bucks!

Budget Breakdown:

Metal Rolling Cart = FREE!
$4 or so for the aqua spray paint
$4 or so for steel wool to sand it down a bit

Yeah! Now I can enjoy my flowers and my new plant stand.

Before and After

2009-06-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

In my entryway, I have this cute little console table I found in the trash a long time ago. I've stained it, and placed this wooden chair next to it (another freebie from where I work).

I've been trying to figure out what to put on this table. Before it was sad with just two little candles and a lamp:

Now, it's happy with a stack of old books and a cute little succulent under glass.

Though I'm still not completely satisfied with it...Imagine that. I think it's the lamp. When I saw this lamp on sale (like less than $20! at JcPenney) awhile ago, I thought it was amazing. I mean amber glass bulbs. Leopard print or whatever is. Now I kind of think it's totally ugly. ha! New lamp here I come.

Any suggestions? Is it the lamp? Is it too much wood?

The Great Outdoors

2009-05-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

I planted some flowers in pots a few weeks ago, okay, maybe a month ago, and they're just going crazy. I love petunias because they are so hardy. I went with a combination of white petunias, yellow marigolds, purple salvia, yellow superbells, and yellow and purple something-or-other...I forget.

It is really nice to sit out there and enjoy them. I also put up some decals from World Market for artwork on the wall. I didn't want to put up actual artwork, so I thought this was interesting and temporary. I'd really like an outdoor temperature and time clock like this one:

Here are some pictures of the flowers. Enjoy!

Momentary Lapse

2009-05-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

So I've been out of town for a few days, and before that, I hadn't posted in awhile.

I was home for my niece's 1st birthday party. She's an absolute doll. Seriously. She's into everything, and she smiles constantly. It's the best feeling in the world to have her smile at me. Watching her discover new things beats the pants off of interior decorating!

Here she is singing along to her favorite musical toy that plays "La Cucaracha."

I really can't top that...

O Squirrel, Where Art Thou?

2009-05-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

He's back! Yep. My pesky squirrel. First he was peeing on my lawn chair cushions, and now he's digging in my potted flowers. Eeek! He's making a mess trying to bury food in my pots.

What's a girl to do? I secretly love him. I yell at him to "get!" but he just stares at me. Then I stomp my foot and he runs off with his big hunk of bread in his mouth. It's sort of cute, but annoying! I'm not sure what to do. I spent a chunk of change on my flowers...

Any suggestions?

Dresser Love

2009-04-24T08:50:00.001-07:00

I've never had a dresser, and I've always been envious when I see pictures of people's dressers. Well maybe when I was a kid and lived at home I had one, but as an adult, I've always used plastic or cardboard storage units in my closet. And I suppose it's more efficient this way and takes up less space in a bedroom, but still, I covet a dresser.

I want to put cool things on top of it, like my jewelry and whatever else. I envision a round turquoise tray where I can drop my earrings, rings, and necklace. And also I'd love to display some of my vintage items, like an old powder case with mirror and my grandfather's dog tags and engraved silver cigarette case.

So here are some of my favorite images courtesty of Apartment Therapy and Design Sponge's sneak peeks:

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Every day after work, I'm tempted to go spend money, to find that perfect vase or pillow that will change my life and my living room. :) But today, in the spirit of giving back to the Earth, I'm not doing it. I won't give into temptation. Instead, I will think of ways to reinvent my apartment. Here are some ideas and tips to really appreciate what you have and not want more!

1. Rearrange!---Seriously, this is the best makeover for your home. Even if it means simply moving your nic-nacs around from room to room, do it. I love finding new places to put things, new groupings of vases, etc. Maybe even switch around your throw pillows or your artwork.

2. Clean!---A deep clean will make you feel better and make your place look better, too! Now is the time for wiping down walls and cleaning windows to bring the outside in. Clean out your fridge and microwave. Use a combination of lemon and vinegar (all natural!).

3. Reorganize!---Put away your winter coats, hats, scarves, heavy sweaters, etc. Pull out your lightweight jackets and clothes.

4. Declutter!---Get rid of stuff you're not using or you don't like anymore. I do this almost weekly, it's crazy! I pile up bags of clothes and other odds and ends, sit them by the door so I won't forget to take them to the thrift store the next day. I absolutely love doing this because I know someone else will hopefully buy them. I even gave my friend a pillow I bought because I knew it would match her living room better than mine. Impulse buying can be dangerous. :)

So there you have it. A few simple ways to start fresh!

And here's a spring poem, just because:

Spring is like a perhaps hand

by E. E. Cummings

III
Spring is like a perhaps hand
(which comes carefully
out of Nowhere)arranging
a window,into which people look(while
people stare
arranging and changing placing
carefully there a strange
thing and a known thing here)and

changing everything carefully

spring is like a perhaps
Hand in a window
(carefully to
and fro moving New and
Old things,while
people stare carefully
moving a perhaps
fraction of flower here placing
an inch of air there)and

without breaking anything.

New Project idea

2009-04-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm moving past the unusable office for now until I can actually go out shopping and look around. I like to look online, but I also like to see the furniture in person, sit behind a desk and see if it's a fit.

This is my new project idea. I have this great chair that I stole (basically) from the art department where I work. It was brought in and used for a photo shoot and then left in the photo studio for weeks before it was up for grabs.

I'd like to somehow add nailhead trim to the vertical back and maybe on the arms. Problem is, it's wood. How do I accomplish this? Most people use nailhead trim on fabric, and I imagine this is much easier. Any suggestions?

Here are some pieces with nailhead trim. I love this look. It just adds that extra va va voom!

West Elm nailhead upholstered headboard:

Crate and Barrel Colette bench:

Also, any ideas on where you can buy this trim? I'd assume Home Depot or Lowe's has it. Michael's doesn't--I already checked!

Workable Office

2009-04-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to redo our home office for awhile now. It's tricky, though, when you have two people and need two desks plus bookshelves that can accomodate many many books.

I would like simple furniture, sleek desks and chairs. Bookcases can be about anything--they're by nature pretty simple with clean lines. I'm also not sure about office chairs. Should they match, and then have different desks? I want cohesiveness, but I hate matchy matchy rooms. Maybe an office is an exception to that rule...

Any advice?

Here are some desks I'm loving:

Parsons Desk from West Elm (in polished black or chocolate):

Linden Street Cordovan desk from JCPenney: And maybe just basic chairs like this from IKEA: I really am at a loss...

Currently, I have a desk from the Salvation army that is okay, but the finish is rubbing off and it's too small! Brian has a bright orange desk, but it's also too small, and it's not a pretty orange. My office chair I found near a dumpster, and he has a small task chair that sits way too low. It's not as bad as it sounds. But we're two poets who have not very usable office furniture. Oh, and the bookcases were given to us too, so they're old and need replaced. Whew!

Anyone want to share their home office makeovers on a budget? I could use some inspiration!

All Things Asheville

2009-04-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

I was in Asheville, NC this past weekend for my boyfriend's poetry reading at Western Carolina University (in Cullowhee, NC) as part of their literary festival. We stayed on campus and drove to Asheville (about an hour away) two days in a row. We couldn't get enough! It's such a great town with unique shops, bars, and restaurants. I know unique sounds generic, but it's true! It's unlike any artsy town I've been to. Maybe it's because it's the South--people are so damn friendly. Many times I was greeted by someone twice. For example, at a restaurant, the hostess said "good evening, how are you?" or something along those lines, then she followed with "how's your evening?" I was caught off guard. I really fell in love with the people and of course, the mountains.

In Asheville there's a great place called Woolworth Walk where you can browse and purchase art from local artists. You just take what you want up to the counter. I found this to be quite unusual, but great! I bought these two (as prints, not paintings) from an artist named Sarah Faulkner:

Morning
acrylic & wax on wood 2.5" x 24" x 24"

Taking the Leap
acrylic & wax on wood 3.5" x 24" x 48"

This ceramics artist, Heather Knight, also has some amazing work. I didn't buy her stuff, but I might have to! She has an Etsy site. Her work has great texture and shape. I love it.

Set of 3 Micro Tiles

Spiked pear

Brian bought a Russian flask at a different store, and he also bought me some handmade soaps from the same shop. I got lavendar and lemongrass. They're really nice.

There's a great bookshop downtown called Malaprop's where I finally bought Apartment Therapy Presents: Real Homes, Real People, Hundreds of Design Solutions. You can buy it here, too: http://www.amazon.com/Apartment-Therapy-Presents-Hundreds-Solutions/dp/0811859827

Also, one fabulous thing I noticed everywhere was the use of the honeycomb pattern. I found it tiled on the floor of a public restroom of a hole-in-the-wall diner called, The Coffee Shop, and it was even used as a crosswalk in Asheville. It was so strange to see this honeycomb pattern in various places. It's like it was calling to me! Perhaps a new project...

Overall, this getaway was fantastic. The best trip I've had in awhile.

Happy Accidents--DIY Art

2009-03-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

I bought a new rug for my hallway, and it had creases that needed to be flattened out. So I grabbed some big art books off the shelf and came across this one that my boyfriend bought me awhile ago.

I had totally forgotten about this book...We have like 8 bookshelves in our apartment. Two poets equals lots of books. Anyways, I started flipping through and found all of these great images. So I promptly starting tearing out my favorites and deciding where to put them. I used existing frames and hung them in different spots throughout my place.

These go very nicely with my other botanical prints (below) that I bought at a store in Fairfax called Circa Home and Garden.

I love these kinds of happy accidents. That book would have just sat on the shelf all by it lonesome. Now the images have a new life! And it's spring (almost) so these prints are fitting!

Changing out artwork is so easy. Do you have projects like this to celebrate spring? Send them my way!

Holy Moly, I'm in Love

2009-03-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I just found this stylist and interior designer. Her name is Abigail Ahern, and she has a store in London, Atelier.

The items in her store (but not necessarily designed by Abigail herself, thanks to a reader's comment!) are so whimsical, so Alice in Wonderland.

Or these crazy art pieces. I especially love the sunbather and the hand hooks:

Or this bookcase wallpaper:

I love the humor and playfulness. Take this ostrich leg table, for example:

I am in awe. I wish I could see these pieces in person.

*Images from Atelier.

Spray Painting Party!

2009-03-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

I had a total crazy spray painting day. I must have been high from all the fumes. Maybe I should have worn a mask. Yes I did all this in one day.

I had all these nic-nacs and other various things in my house that I was not happy with. I loved the shape or the style, but not the colors. So voila, spray paint! I mainly used black and white to make my apartment feel more uniform, more calming. Here are the before and afters. Some I don't have before's, so bear with me.

Candleholders before:

Candleholders after (sans candles, I like it better this way):

Chandelier dressing before (these are just cheap branches with beads I bought at a craft store):

Chandelier after:

Mirror before (I loved the shape of this mirror and the large frame border, but the yellow with the leaves had to go):

Mirror after (crisp, glossy black):

Garden pot before (I also rearranged this hallway with different art, plant, rug, etc.):

Garden pot, celery green after:

Some random afters:

Night light (it was maroon and mustard before):

Bird (it was brown and ugly, very 70's before):

Mail holder (it was brown and had grapes on it before, ugh!):

Whew! I think that's it...I may have missed some. I hope you'll find some love for spray painting, too! And wear a mask.

Have I Died and Gone to Heaven?

2009-03-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

I just came across this house tour on Livingetc. after reading Door Sixteen's post on display shelving. I love reading her blog, and I've been turning to other people's blogs for style inspiration and also for a little name dropping. I'm new to the design world, so I'm trying to get a sense of where people find great designers and who these designers are. So if you have favorites, send them my way!

Here are images from Anna Parker's home in west London. She's an actress turned interior designer. I'm not normally drawn to white, but lately everything is white on white. I love the clean brilliance to these rooms and the small pop of color. To view more of her home, go here.

I Love You, Artichoke

2009-03-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Since it's Friday, and I still haven't taken pics of my before/after spray paint projects, I thought I'd post some of my wish list items. So, it's not all things artichoke, but the first two are. Enjoy!

Urban Outfitters: Artichoke Stool

Anthropologie: Artichoke Votive

Anthropolgie: Abalone Chandelier

Anthropologie: Effervescent Chandelier

And as I was posting these amazing chandeliers, I was reminded of that truly great Saturday Night Live skit. Saturday Night Live-Saturday Night Live - Chandeliers - AOL Video

Happy Friday!

Handmade Jewelry

2009-03-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I had a small poetry workshop at my apartment with a few friends. A fairly new friend, Alison, was wearing the most beautiful necklace and earrings. And what do you know, she made both pieces! Her jewelry is all handmade, usually created from recycled/repurposed materials. I really love these two necklaces. The combination of the hardware with the ribbon is just lovely.

Check out her website at http://retoldstory.com/.

I also know another jewelry artist through my work at the Art department at George Mason University. I meet a number of the MFA graduate students, and they're all producing such great work. One abstract painter turned jewelry-maker has done really well for herself selling her jewelry in stores here in the U.S. and abroad. Check out this swallow necklace and this dagger heart necklace.

Here's her website in case you'd like to purchase. http://www.odetteny.com/.

Happy Friday!

2009-03-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I couldn't resist a Happy Friday post. It's 65 degrees here in Virginia, and I'm loving it. I spray painted a ton of things white yesterday (pics to come). Think spring, think spring!

From the Beginning

2009-03-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

So I've been thinking about starting a blog for sometime. I didn't want it to be about poetry (my first love), so I decided on design (my other first love). In thinking of a title, I automatically thought of "Macho Purse." I used to carry around this enormous bag, probably a thrift store or T.J. Maxx purchase. It looked somewhat like this one, though not a Marc Jacobs bag, and much more macho! I don't know why I carried it around. I don't usually stuff my bag full. I guess it was because it was beautiful and I gave it a name, so I had to carry it... Also I came up with this name for some friends who needed a name for a band they were putting together.

An old boss once told me I was the kind of person who liked to surround myself with beautiful, organized things (I told her my dream jobs were to work at a plant nursery, create scents for a perfume store, or work in an antique shop, among others...) So here's to "Macho Purse." I hope you'll enjoy reading this blog of art, design, some poetry, and whatever else comes to mind.